Saturday, August 16, 2025 white wine review is the latest vintage of a perennially lovely Assyrtiko from Greece. It arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the feature on BBQ Wines in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.
It is produced by the historic and significant winery and monastery - Mega Spileo Estate. The roots of Mega Spileo go back to 362 A.D., when it was established by brothers who were also monks. Mega Spileo is situated near the town of Kalavryta, in the Achaea region of northern Peloponnese, and holds a special place in Greek orthodox tradition and history.
Vine cultivation was added to the lands surrounding the monastery in approximately the mid-15th century, and the grapes were used by the monks to produce wine for both the 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 - a barrel which still survives to this day.
Today, the long and storied history of Mega Spileo Estate lies in the hands of brothers Giannis and Theodoros Anastasiou, who received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery in 1999. Their vision was to revitalize the historical vineyard using a team of experienced oenologists and wine producers in order to create a completely new and unique estate. The team at Mega Spileo re-planted the vines and implemented best practices in the vineyard and winery. Among their practices include protecting the environment and using sustainable agricultural techniques.
The modern winery of Mega Spileo Estate resides a few minutes away from the historic monastery, within the UNESCO Chelmos-Vouraikos Global Geopark that covers an area of 647 sq. km. The area surrounding the Estate has tall mountains, plateaus, sheer gorges, ancient trees, wild herbs, flowers, and cool breezes, all of which come together to create a unique micro-climate that is ideal for the cultivation of grape vines. By cultivating high-quality grapes, which in turn results in high-quality wines, Mega Spileo has become a significant point of reference in Greek wine production.
Like the 2022 Mega Spileo Assyrtiko I enjoyed last year, this white wine is 100% Assyrtiko that was grown at a relatively high elevation of more than 700 metres above sea level in the mountain vineyards of Aigialeia and Kalavryta. It is classified as PGI Achaia, a winegrowing area that lies on a strip of land between the Ionian Sea to the west and the Patraic and Corinthian Gulfs to the north, on the northwest coast of the Peloponnese. After harvesting the grapes in late-September, it underwent static racking of the grape must after 48 hours. The grapes were fermented with selected yeasts at low temperatures and stayed in contact with its fine lees for 3 months in stainless steel tanks. It was aged mostly in tanks, with a third of the wine matured in oak barrels for an additional 3 months.
Although the 2023 growing season reduced yields, the warm vintage produced grapes of high quality. Let's see how this 2023 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...
Elegant, medium-high intensity aromatics deliver lovely ripe lemon citrus and stony-leesy mineral aromas nuanced with melon, stone fruits, apple, and touches of mealy notes. The mid-weighted palate is dry, ripe, and lightly honeyed with delicious lemon citrus, spice, apple, and mineral flavours buoyed fresh and lively acidity. It has good structure on the mid-palate, while citrusy, spice, and savoury mineral notes carry you through to the long, crisp finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts
Many other fine wines by Mega Spileo are available in various quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.
It is produced by the historic and significant winery and monastery - Mega Spileo Estate. The roots of Mega Spileo go back to 362 A.D., when it was established by brothers who were also monks. Mega Spileo is situated near the town of Kalavryta, in the Achaea region of northern Peloponnese, and holds a special place in Greek orthodox tradition and history.
Vine cultivation was added to the lands surrounding the monastery in approximately the mid-15th century, and the grapes were used by the monks to produce wine for both the 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 - a barrel which still survives to this day.
Today, the long and storied history of Mega Spileo Estate lies in the hands of brothers Giannis and Theodoros Anastasiou, who received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery in 1999. Their vision was to revitalize the historical vineyard using a team of experienced oenologists and wine producers in order to create a completely new and unique estate. The team at Mega Spileo re-planted the vines and implemented best practices in the vineyard and winery. Among their practices include protecting the environment and using sustainable agricultural techniques.
The modern winery of Mega Spileo Estate resides a few minutes away from the historic monastery, within the UNESCO Chelmos-Vouraikos Global Geopark that covers an area of 647 sq. km. The area surrounding the Estate has tall mountains, plateaus, sheer gorges, ancient trees, wild herbs, flowers, and cool breezes, all of which come together to create a unique micro-climate that is ideal for the cultivation of grape vines. By cultivating high-quality grapes, which in turn results in high-quality wines, Mega Spileo has become a significant point of reference in Greek wine production.
Like the 2022 Mega Spileo Assyrtiko I enjoyed last year, this white wine is 100% Assyrtiko that was grown at a relatively high elevation of more than 700 metres above sea level in the mountain vineyards of Aigialeia and Kalavryta. It is classified as PGI Achaia, a winegrowing area that lies on a strip of land between the Ionian Sea to the west and the Patraic and Corinthian Gulfs to the north, on the northwest coast of the Peloponnese. After harvesting the grapes in late-September, it underwent static racking of the grape must after 48 hours. The grapes were fermented with selected yeasts at low temperatures and stayed in contact with its fine lees for 3 months in stainless steel tanks. It was aged mostly in tanks, with a third of the wine matured in oak barrels for an additional 3 months.
Although the 2023 growing season reduced yields, the warm vintage produced grapes of high quality. Let's see how this 2023 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...
Tasting Note:
MEGA SPILEO ASSYRTIKO 2023 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#31680) (XD) - $19.95Elegant, medium-high intensity aromatics deliver lovely ripe lemon citrus and stony-leesy mineral aromas nuanced with melon, stone fruits, apple, and touches of mealy notes. The mid-weighted palate is dry, ripe, and lightly honeyed with delicious lemon citrus, spice, apple, and mineral flavours buoyed fresh and lively acidity. It has good structure on the mid-palate, while citrusy, spice, and savoury mineral notes carry you through to the long, crisp finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts
Many other fine wines by Mega Spileo are available in various quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.
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