Vangelis Gerovassiliou started reviving Malagouzia approximately 50 years ago and brought it back from the very verge of extinction. Since then, demand for the Greek variety cultivated at Ktima Gerovassiliou has been overwhelming —both in Greece and abroad— forcing plans for an additional 110 acres of Malagouzia to be planted at the winery not only to meet market demand, but also to implement a replanting program.
“This year, we intend to expand the vineyard at about 110 acres of the Malagouzia variety, in order to satisfy market demand. It is a widely exported variety and we are active in several markets, so it is only logical to expand its cultivation”, explains Mr Gerovassiliou.
With the addition of the new plants, the acreage of the estate in Epanomi, near Thessaloniki, Greece, will eventually extend to a total of 870 acres. At the same time, the estate implements a replanting program that helps revitalize old vineyards.
“After 30-40 years, vineyards grow old, not to mention that certain grapevine diseases make replanting imperative,”says Mr Gerovassiliou.
In fact, in some cases, replanting with more robust varieties is also suggested to counter climate change.
Regarding the strategic planning of the estate, Mr Gerovassiliou points out that the priority rests on the strengthening of exports, which currently cover about 35% of sales, which will help raise prestige for the Greek winery.
A good year ahead for reds
With regard to this year’s wine production, the completion of the harvest and the fermentation corroborates the wine producers’ early estimates that the quality will be very high.
“Especially regarding reds, we expect to have a great year. I would say, maybe a little better than the previous one, which was considered one of the best in recent years,” notes Mr. Gerovassiliou and adds that “this year’s reds are high, with intense color, flavor and great for aging, while the whites have come out very fruity, with quite high acidity”.
