Even though the climate is continental the mild local lacustrine aura that grows during the day, balances temperature and keeps humidity high. Thus, plants do not suffer and continue functioning unhindered until late afternoon bringing grapes to ripeness with sugars, acids, and aromas in harmony.
The Vineyards
«Even though the climate in Velvento is continental it is significantly affected by the proximity to Polyfytos Lake and the constant presence of lacustrine winds.»
The 12 hectares vineyard, is situated between the Pieria mountains and Polyfytos lake, at an altitude of 340 meters. Its location next to the water that almost touches the vineyard (40 meters the shortest distance) is the powerful element, which makes the wines of the estate different.
Gentle slopes create a mild relief with a northeast to south orientation. Within this area one can find sandy-loam, clay-loam and deep soils, in many places enriched with calcium carbonate, which improves their structure. In these soils and the conditions created by the positive effect of the lake, plants are sufficiently supplied with water from the natural soil’s resources. Thanks to that special combination of soil and meso-climate (the climate at vineyard site), the basis for an exceptional vineyard is created.
Assyrtiko, Chardonnay, Malvasia Aromatica, Xinomavro, Moschomavro and Tsapournakos (Cabernet Franc) are the main varietals of the estate, which coexist with several other local varieties grown experimentally.
The diversity of soil types allowed us to choose the best location for each variety and its rootstock in order to produce wines of high quality, with personality and character.
From the creation of the vineyard, we apply the principles of organic agriculture. The cultivation management is not aiming in just getting from nature to produce grapes of high quality, but also to protect and preserve the vineyard’s ecosystem. So, with a combination of experience, advanced knowledge and technology, soil quality is systematically checked and greenhouse gas emissions are low. It is about a ‘natural’ terroir.