Ktima Biblia Chora

On the barren slopes of Mt. Pangeon, at Kokkinochori near Kavala in Northern Greece, the oenologists Vassilis Tsaktsarlis and Vangelis Gerovassiliou have joined forces and combined their experience in wine production to set up a model vineyard covering 15 hectares.

The long viticultural tradition of the area has its roots in ancient times. Theoktitus and Michael Psellos referred to the region as Biblia Chora, hence the name of the estate. The contours of Mt. Pangeon, the cool breezes from the Strymonic Gulf and the flinty soil of the region all provide ideal conditions for cultivation of the vine.

The grape varieties that have been planted are the Greek Assyrtiko and Agiorghitiko and the foreign Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. They are all grown in compliance with the established standards for organic viticulture. At 350 m over sea level the soil is very stony with clayey and loamy characteristics. The density of the planting is 4.000 plants/ha. The climate of the area is influenced by the sea in the front, the Mt.Pangeon in the back and the Stryminic Gulf which provide warm to cool summers with cool nights.

All works ( pruning , harvest ) are handled by hand. The fermentation occurs in steel tanks at low temperature. Chardonnay, Semillon and a part of Assyrtico are fermented in oak barrels and stay for 8 months “ sur lie”. The red Biblia Chora, after malolactic fermentation matures 12 months in oak barrels, 50% Allier and 50% Nevers barrels, medium toasted. The winery covers an area of 5.500 square metres, comprising the wine production area, the storage areas (cellars for the aging of our wines) and a visitor reception and hospitality area.