About the Greek domain Ktima Lantides

The  Lantides Estate , also known as  Ktima Lantides , is located in the Nemea wine region  , in the heart of the  Peloponnese , about  30 kilometers southwest of Corinth . Founded in  1993  by oenologist  Panikos Lantides , it is a family-owned and still independent winery.

Originally from Morphou on the island of Cyprus, Panikos Lantides left his native country in  1970  to study oenology in Montpellier , then deepened his viticultural knowledge in  Bordeaux . His career began in Greece, where he became  head oenologist  for several renowned wineries in the regions of  Nemea ,  Attica  and  Mantinia .

He quickly decided to forge his own path. After an initial experiment on a small plot in Attica, he returned to  Nemea , drawn by the rich soils and the local microclimate. It was there that he founded  Lantides Estate in 1993. He first planted  Chardonnay , a grape variety of interest to foreign markets, and then, the following year, Agiorgitiko , which would become the estate's signature red wine. He would later add other varieties, with a constant objective:  to showcase Greek grape varieties with exacting standards and precision .

Today, the estate cultivates approximately  70 hectares of owned vineyards , in addition to  20 hectares cultivated in partnership with neighboring winegrowers .

Geography of the Lantides region

Located in the  municipality of Nemea , about  35 km from Corinth , ****in the  northeast of the Peloponnese , the Lantides estate   extends between  Xerokampos and the neighboring Skotini  valley  .

The  red grape varieties  are mainly planted on the higher slopes of Asprokampos , between  600 and 650 meters , in an isolated, well-ventilated area where cool nights promote  slow ripening  and the  preservation of natural acidity . For the  white wines , the vines occupy the gentler slopes of  Skotini , in the Argolid region , at around  550 meters above sea level , on well-drained land with a slightly milder climate.

The  climate  is Mediterranean  , tempered by a continental influence  : abundant sunshine, regular breezes, and  significant temperature variations . This contrast plays a key role in defining the style of the estate's wines. The  soils , predominantly  clay-limestone , also include some sandier areas.

At altitudes between  550 and 650 meters , on  windswept slopes , the vines benefit from the coolness to produce wines that are  ripe, precise, and balanced . Lantides also cultivates other  Greek grape varieties  such as Agiorgitiko ,  Xinomavro  , and  Moschofilero , as well as  international varieties  like  Chardonnay ,  Cabernet Sauvignon  , and  Merlot .

Production from the Lantides estate

The estate produces nearly 200,000 bottles annually  ,  approximately half of which  are sold outside of Greece. Its primary markets remain the  United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria . Vineyard management follows a  sustainable approach  : reduced treatments, close monitoring of individual plots, and respect for biodiversity.

The  grapes are harvested by hand , followed by  rigorous sorting directly in the vineyard  to retain only the healthy grapes. Each grape variety then benefits from a  tailor-made vinification process  :

• The reds –  Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro, Cabernet Sauvignon  – often spend time in  oak barrels  to refine tannins and texture.
• The white wines –  Chardonnay, Moschofilero, Assyrtiko, Malagouzia  – are vinified in stainless steel tanks and at low temperature, in order to preserve  aromatic purity  and  acidic freshness .

Brief presentation of the Peloponnese PGI

The  Peloponnese  forms the southernmost tip of mainland Greece. It is an ancient wine-growing region, characterized by a contrasting geography:  more than fifty peaks rise above 1,000 meters , interspersed with valleys, plateaus, and coastal areas. This diverse topography creates a wide variety of  microclimates , ideal for viticulture. It allows for significant  temperature variations  between day and night, which helps preserve the freshness and acidity of the wines. The  proximity of the Aegean Sea  and the  Gulf of Corinth  adds a  maritime influence  that moderates summer temperatures. Several PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin) are located here, such as  Nemea ,  Achaea  , and  Mantinia , situated at higher altitudes.

Established in  1989 , the Peloponnese PGI  (ΠΓΕ Πελοπόννησος) covers the entire peninsula. It encompasses  seven regional units  : Argolis, Arcadia, Achaea, Ilia, Corinthia, Laconia, and Messenia. It is one of the largest and most diverse designations in the country. Unlike PDOs, this PGI offers greater  stylistic freedom . White, red, and rosé wines are produced, ranging from dry to sweet, sometimes lightly sparkling.  Indigenous grape varieties  are by far the most prevalent—approximately  90% of the plantings  —including Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero, Roditis, Assyrtiko, and Kydonitsa.

The reds are generally vinified at controlled temperatures, sometimes with aging in oak barrels. The whites are crafted to preserve aromatic purity and freshness, with some cuvées exhibiting excellent aging potential. The IGP also permits the moderate use of international grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Syrah, or Cabernet Sauvignon, most often in blends, always with attention paid to balance and the Greek character of the wines.

About the plot for this dry Greek white wine

This wine comes from the   Scotini Mountains plateau  , located in   Argolid  , in the northeast of the   Peloponnese  , at an   altitude of 600 meters  . The soil there is   reddish clay  , typical of this high area, which is favorable to the slow ripening of the grapes and to a beautiful natural freshness.

Winemaking of this Greek white wine from the Peloponnese

• Harvesting of Assyrtiko and Malagouzia grapes by manual selection.
• Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at low temperature in order to preserve the primary aromas of the grape varieties.
• Winemaking without oak aging: everything is designed to highlight the purity of the fruit and the natural freshness.
• Rapid bottling to preserve tension and aromatic expression.

Characteristics of the Little Ark vintage from Lantides

• Production region   : Scotini Mountains plateau, Argolid, Peloponnese
• Soil type   : Reddish clay
• Grape varieties   : 50% Assyrtiko – 50% Malagouzia
• Alcohol content   : 13.5% vol.