Tuesday, September 1, 2026 white wine review is a lovely Assyrtiko from Greece that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It was included as part of the feature on "Great Wines for Takeout Night" and, per the magazine, is recommended for pairing with aromatic and mildly spiced dishes.
It is produced by Mega Spileo Estate, a winery with deep historical roots connected to the historic Mega Spileo Monastery. The monastery's origins date back to 362 A.D., when it was established by two brothers, Symeon and Theodore, who were also monks. Situated near the town of Kalavryta in the Achaea region of the northern Peloponnese, Mega Spileo holds a special place in Greek Orthodox tradition and history.
Vine cultivation was introduced to the lands surrounding the monastery around the mid-15th century, with the grapes used by the monks to produce wine for both Holy Communion and as a nutritious dietary supplement. A massive barrel called "Angelis" was acquired during this period and was used to store 12 tonnes of wine. Remarkably, the barrel still survives to this day.
In 1999, Mega Spileo turned a new chapter when brothers Giannis and Theodoros Anastasiou received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery, with a vision to revitalize the historic vineyard. Working with a team of experienced oenologists and wine producers, they re-planted the vines and implemented best practices in the vineyard and winery, including environmental protection and sustainable agricultural techniques.
Today, the modern winery of Mega Spileo Estate resides only a few minutes from the historic monastery, within the UNESCO Chelmos-Vouraikos Global Geopark, which covers an area of 647 sq. km. The area surrounding the Estate features tall mountains, plateaus, sheer gorges, ancient trees, wild herbs, flowers, and cool breezes, all of which come together to create a unique microclimate that is ideal for grape cultivation. By focusing on high-quality grapes and careful winemaking, Mega Spileo has become an important reference point in Greek wine production and, more recently, a destination for wine tourism.
Like the 2023 Mega Spileo Assyrtiko I enjoyed last year, this white wine is crafted with 100% Assyrtiko grown in the mountain vineyards of Aigialeia and Kalavryta, at a relatively high elevation of more than 700 metres above sea level. Classified as PGI Achaia, the grapes were grown in an area situated between the Ionian Sea to the west and the Patras and Corinthian Gulfs to the north, along the northwestern coast of the Peloponnese.
For vinification, the grapes were harvested in late September, followed by static racking of the grape must after 48 hours. The wine underwent alcoholic fermentation with selected yeasts at low temperatures, followed by three months of lees contact in stainless steel tanks. To add further complexity and texture, one-third of the wine was then matured in oak barrels for an additional three months.
In 2024, the growing season in Greece was marked by one of the warmest years on record, requiring careful vineyard management and precise harvest timing. While yields were lower than average, quality was exceptional, with the resulting wines described as highly gastronomic. Let's see how this 2024 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...
Clean and elegant, the medium-high intensity nose has lovely floral, white citrus, pear, apple, stone fruit, and ripe grapefruit aromas nuanced with hints of leesy mineral and vanilla notes. The medium-bodied bodied palate is dry and gently honeyed with delicious ripe citrus, grapefruit, pear, apple, leesy mineral, and spice flavours accented with floral and vanilla. Tangy on the mid-palate with crisp and refreshing acidity. Nicely textured with good structure throughout. Pear, apple, and citrus notes taper to savoury, leesy minerals on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts
Several wines by Mega Spileo are available at the LCBO, including at Destination Collection stores, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.
It is produced by Mega Spileo Estate, a winery with deep historical roots connected to the historic Mega Spileo Monastery. The monastery's origins date back to 362 A.D., when it was established by two brothers, Symeon and Theodore, who were also monks. Situated near the town of Kalavryta in the Achaea region of the northern Peloponnese, Mega Spileo holds a special place in Greek Orthodox tradition and history.
Vine cultivation was introduced to the lands surrounding the monastery around the mid-15th century, with the grapes used by the monks to produce wine for both Holy Communion and as a nutritious dietary supplement. A massive barrel called "Angelis" was acquired during this period and was used to store 12 tonnes of wine. Remarkably, the barrel still survives to this day.
In 1999, Mega Spileo turned a new chapter when brothers Giannis and Theodoros Anastasiou received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery, with a vision to revitalize the historic vineyard. Working with a team of experienced oenologists and wine producers, they re-planted the vines and implemented best practices in the vineyard and winery, including environmental protection and sustainable agricultural techniques.
Today, the modern winery of Mega Spileo Estate resides only a few minutes from the historic monastery, within the UNESCO Chelmos-Vouraikos Global Geopark, which covers an area of 647 sq. km. The area surrounding the Estate features tall mountains, plateaus, sheer gorges, ancient trees, wild herbs, flowers, and cool breezes, all of which come together to create a unique microclimate that is ideal for grape cultivation. By focusing on high-quality grapes and careful winemaking, Mega Spileo has become an important reference point in Greek wine production and, more recently, a destination for wine tourism.
Like the 2023 Mega Spileo Assyrtiko I enjoyed last year, this white wine is crafted with 100% Assyrtiko grown in the mountain vineyards of Aigialeia and Kalavryta, at a relatively high elevation of more than 700 metres above sea level. Classified as PGI Achaia, the grapes were grown in an area situated between the Ionian Sea to the west and the Patras and Corinthian Gulfs to the north, along the northwestern coast of the Peloponnese.
For vinification, the grapes were harvested in late September, followed by static racking of the grape must after 48 hours. The wine underwent alcoholic fermentation with selected yeasts at low temperatures, followed by three months of lees contact in stainless steel tanks. To add further complexity and texture, one-third of the wine was then matured in oak barrels for an additional three months.
In 2024, the growing season in Greece was marked by one of the warmest years on record, requiring careful vineyard management and precise harvest timing. While yields were lower than average, quality was exceptional, with the resulting wines described as highly gastronomic. Let's see how this 2024 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...
Tasting Note:
MEGA SPILEO ASSYRTIKO 2024 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#31680) (XD) - $24.95Clean and elegant, the medium-high intensity nose has lovely floral, white citrus, pear, apple, stone fruit, and ripe grapefruit aromas nuanced with hints of leesy mineral and vanilla notes. The medium-bodied bodied palate is dry and gently honeyed with delicious ripe citrus, grapefruit, pear, apple, leesy mineral, and spice flavours accented with floral and vanilla. Tangy on the mid-palate with crisp and refreshing acidity. Nicely textured with good structure throughout. Pear, apple, and citrus notes taper to savoury, leesy minerals on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts
Several wines by Mega Spileo are available at the LCBO, including at Destination Collection stores, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.
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