NV Gai'a - Vinsanto 20 Years Old (500ml)

Gai’a Wines was founded in 1994 by Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, who holds a doctorate in oenology from the University of Bordeaux. Their first wine was Thalassitis, a dry Assyrtiko from Santorini. Their goal was to show what Greece’s native grapes can do. Today Gai’a is considered a pioneer of the modern Greek wine revival. The Santorini winery is housed in a converted tomato processing plant.

This Vinsanto comes from PDO Santorini, from volcanic-soil vineyards at about 500 meters, the highest on the island. The vines are 70 to 80 years old and yield very little fruit. The blend is 90 percent Assyrtiko, with Athiri and Aidani. The grapes are sun-dried for up to ten days, half in direct sun and half in shade, then pressed and fermented in stainless steel. Fermentation stops naturally, leaving the wine sweet. It then ages for 20 years in French barriques of fourth use or older.

The wine is deep amber with a caramel hue. Aromas of dried fig, apricot, caramel, coffee, nuts, and warm baking spice lead into a velvety, intense palate. Santorini’s bright acidity keeps the sweetness balanced rather than cloying. Serve well chilled with dark chocolate, crème brûlée, aged cheeses, or blue cheese.