GG_N54_FR-web

GREECE
DISCOVERY
AEGIALIA SLOPES,
CHARISMA AND VARIETY
AEGIALIA IS A CHARISMATIC AND DIVERSE WINE REGION
MEGA SPILEO ESTATE HAS AN EXTRAORDINARY MICROCLIMATE AND UNIQUE TERROIR
PERCHED ON VERTIGINOUS SLOPES OVERLOOKING VOURAIKOS GORGE
The road leads us to the Northern Peloponnese. We
start the pleasant adventure that turns out to be a
visit to the vineyards... and that’s because Aegialia,
on the slopes of Panachaiko Mountain and Chelmos,
is an area with an exceptional natural landscape
and stunning sea views. The slopes start from the
rolling hills above the Corinthian Gulf and reach the
outskirts of Kalavryta. The rivers that cross it form
beautiful gorges, such as that of Vouraikos, which
climbs along the serrated railway from Diakofto to
Kalavryta.
Among other things, Aegialia is a charismatic
and diverse wine region. Its vineyards, spread
over slopes at an altitude ranging from 300 to
900 meters, are among the most beautiful in the
world from a soil and climate point of view. On the
northern hills that enjoy cool air currents, and in
vineyards with lower yields per hectare than the
rest of the region, P.G.I. wines are produced. The
whites show a distinctive style and the rich reds
have character that evolves beautifully over time.
Cavino has been active in this region since 1958.
Today, it is one of the largest Greek wine exporters.
It produces a very wide range of products at
its state-of-the-art winery located on the coastal
road. In 1999, Cavino took over the vineyard at the
Monastery of the Mega Spileo, covering 20 ha on the
plateau of Agios Nikolaos in mountainous Aegialia.
The vineyard was restored, the Metochi winery was
renovated and the single vineyard wines proudly
bear the name Mega Spileo Estate. The Greek
varieties Mavrodafni, Mavro Kalavritino, Malagousia,
Assyrtiko and Lagorthi sit alongside Syrah,
Cabernet Sauvignon and many other grape varieties
grown organically in the estate’s four vineyards. The
sunny Mediterranean climate, combined with the
expert craftsmanship of the winemakers and the
successful blending of indigenous and international
varieties, result in wines of distinct character that
have earned the respect of experts and captured the
hearts of wine lovers worldwide. It is worth noting
that during the 2023 vintage, for the first time, the
estate fermented Assyrtiko and Mavrodafni in the
58 WINTER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE