Cultivation & Varieties
The vineyards
The Mediterranean climate of the region offers mild winters, hot summers and autumns with rainfall (550mm) and high humidity levels of up to 62%. The average temperature is 19 degrees Celsius.
The great diversity of the terrain of the area and the variation in microclimates are a unique advantage for the production of special wines. As a result, we have the ultimate expression of terroir and vintage in varietal wines that are gaining more and more enthusiasts. So, along with the special care we provide, little wonders are created to... drink them by the glass!
Our vineyards include 90 hectares in the area around the winery at an altitude of 500 meters, 40 parcels of land in the Fodele area and an additional 100 hectares of cooperating vineyards at an altitude of 600-750 m. The excellent local characteristics are accompanied by low yields of up to 600-1000 kg/ha. Our discreet contribution enables nature to generously provide all the necessary elements to harmoniously synthesize an excellent raw material that leads to different and interesting expressions of wines.
Organic farming. With respect to nature and man!
Today, more than ever, we need to preserve nature, the environment and, by extension, our health. We deserve a better future with a better quality of life. Organic farming ensures healthy crops without the use of preservatives, radiation and chemical pesticides. Only formulations of natural substances diluted and fortified are used in this type of farming.
For the past 12 years we have been utilizing organic methods, harnessing the power and energy of nature. The term biodynamics is derived from the words βίος = life and δύναμις = energy. It is an energy that plants receive as gravity from the earth or as cosmic radiation from space (sun, moon, planets, stars) and which has a decisive influence on their growth, such as the influence of moonlight on the juices of the leaves.
Our experienced staff, after many years of observation of the behaviour of the planets and other celestial bodies, selects, each time, the most favourable days and times for biological cultivation, in order to achieve appropriate results for the best and highest performance.
A DROP OF HISTORY...
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THE ANCIENT WINERY
Viticulture in Crete has had a strong presence in all historical periods. It is worth mentioning that vines have been systematically cultivated in Crete for about 4,000 years! It is no coincidence that the oldest grape press, more than 3 500 years old, has been discovered in the area of Vathipetro.
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THE ANCIENT WINEPRESS
It was the excavations of the internationally renowned archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans that brought the Minoan civilisation to light, bringing to light images and representations of a civilisation in its prime. At the Palace of Knossos, the oldest architectural monument in Europe, luxurious four-storey buildings with amenities that were millennia ahead of the rest of Europe were discovered. During the Roman period, workshops for the production of Cretan amphorae flourished, as did the export of amphorae throughout the Mediterranean. Hundreds of carved and built stones are irrefutable witnesses to this truth. In the Byzantine era that followed, because of the symbolism of wine for Christianity, viticulture was preserved. A characteristic reference to the 'Cretan atherin' is the one made by the poor man's forerunner.
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THE REPUTATION OF CRETAN WINES
In Venetian-occupied Crete too, wine was the export product par excellence and a luxury item. The Venetians, realising the potential of this product for international trade, boosted its production with various varieties of wine such as malvasia, moscato, vino cotto, mosto moscato and logado. Due to the reputation of Cretan wines, especially malvasia, moscato and sweet wines, their exportation reached as far as England, Flanders, Spain and Portugal. Other important destinations were Egypt and Constantinople.
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TO THE PRESENT DAY
According to documents dating back to the 13th century, the areas of the villages of Siva, Dafnes, Venerato and Kerasia played an important role in the production of wine. In 1580, an agreement was made to cultivate the fields for the purpose of producing logado wine. The nobleman Zuan Dandolo, a resident of Chandax, rents for one year the property he owns in Venerato and Kerasia to the signor priest Manousso Christianopoulos.
And the history of wine continues its interesting course with increasing interest nowadays!
Varieties
Exceptional Grape Varieties
that travel the palate
The most important role in the cultivation of the winery is played by local Cretan varieties such as: Vidiano, Liatiko, Muscat of Spina, Plyto, Kotsifali, Mandilari and Asyrtiko. At the same time, international varieties such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache Rouge and Merlot are cultivated. Each variety promises a unique journey of pleasure. Varieties with an intense mood, nostalgic, travel, fruity, adventurous, ready to travel the palate and challenge your senses. We present you some of the most interesting varieties. Buckle up, the journey begins:
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Local varieties
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VIDIANO
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Muscat Spinas
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ASYRTIKO
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PLYTO
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LIATIKO
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KOTSIFALI
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MANTILARI
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Foreign varieties
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SAUVIGNON BLANC
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CHARDONNAY
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SYRAH
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MERLOT
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GRENACHE ROUGE
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CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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It is one of the oldest native varieties of Crete. It is quite productive and resistant to the climate of the region. It gives rich and fruity wines with full mouthfeel and balanced acidity. Excellent ageing potential giving results that have nothing to envy from a Chardonnay. Quite resistant as a variety to high temperatures, perfectly preserving its aromatic character. Not particularly resistant to diseases.
