Nemea Vineyard
In Koutsi, at 550 metres above sea level, GAIA’s Nemea vineyard is where Agiorgitiko shows its noblest character and Assyrtiko finds a second, mountain home. Vines we cultivate with respect for the land and an eye on the decades ahead.
On the steep slopes of Koutsi, Agiorgitiko finds its true home.
The place
Koutsi, 550 metres
Koutsi is one of the finest sub-regions of Nemea: slopes of poor, limestone soils, wide swings in temperature between day and night, and a breeze that keeps the grapes healthy.
The altitude of 550 metres gives slow, balanced ripening — freshness and acidity that are hard to find on the hot plain.
The varieties
Agiorgitiko and Assyrtiko in Nemea
Agiorgitiko is the heart of the vineyard: the noble red variety of the Peloponnese, which in the mountains of Koutsi gives wines with structure, intensity and great ageing potential. This is where Gaia Estate and Optimus are born.
Beside it, Assyrtiko — the great white of Santorini — in a second, mainland expression: cooler, more aromatic, with the acidity the altitude brings. Two varieties we know better than anything else.
Assyrtiko finds a new expression in Koutsi.
Our youngest Agiorgitiko vineyard, planted with the ENTAV-INRA 001VNB clone.
The clones
New plantings, selected clones
The new parts of the vineyard are planted with selected clones of Agiorgitiko (ENTAV-INRA 001VNB) and Assyrtiko (ENTAV-INRA 004VNB) — the first certified clones of Greek varieties. The clones give us healthy plants, uniform growth and better quality characteristics.
Training the vines on a linear system, the orientation of the rows and low yields per hectare are decisive factors in the quality of our production.
Sustainability
Sustainability and respect for nature
We do not want to take more from the land than it can give us. We cultivate with the fewest possible interventions, preserving the biodiversity and natural vegetation of the vineyard, protecting the soil from erosion and using natural resources such as water with respect. Our vineyard is certified under the international GLOBALG.A.P. standard, applying the principles of Integrated Management in agricultural production.
For us, sustainability is not a badge on the label; it is the way to make sure the vineyard is still here, healthy and productive, thirty years from now.
Our vineyards, in harmony with the natural environment.
