Location
The Great Vineyard is located at Lovas, on the 21st km of the Diakofto-Kalavryta Road, on
a plateau above the picturesque Vouraikos canyon at an altitude of 800 m.
Inalterable quality in time
Our Domain
History
Official references to the monastery vineyard date back to 1550. The domain and winery were used by monks for viticulture and the harvesting of grapes. The monks were producing wine in the winery building located on the vineyard and, then transported the grape must by mules to the monastery’s famous cellar where they decanted it to 500lt wooden barrels. Local workers were involved in this process, helping the monks and glorifying the Great Vineyard “Megali Ambelos” and its wine. In the late 80s, viticulture was stopped due to the gradual desertion of the monastery and the lack of monks. The building of the old winery is still exist on the vineyard and was recently restored.
Domain Mega Spileo - Main Section
Viticulture
In 1999, the vineyard was rented from the Mega Spileo Monastery, renovated and new vines were planted. Linear vineries of local and international varieties, with a late germinative cycle were planted: Mavrodafne, Mavro Kalavritino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Lagorthi, Asyrtiko, Malagouzia, Riesling. Plantation density: 4100 plants per ha. There is no artificial irrigation system used. The Mega Spileo vineyard has only natural watering from atmosphere and soil. The organic methods of viticulture have been applied on the vineyard.
Ground: Sandy with clay and gravel
Altitude: 780-880 m.
Vinification
Pre-fermentation extraction at low temperatures (24-48 hours), followed by classic red vinification with long extractions. Malolactic fermentation and maturing in new oak barrels (80% French and 20% American oak) for 16-24 months. Reductive aging in bottles for at least 24 months.