An active, unique sub-soil
Sea terraces and fast-flowing rivers, geological faults that run vertically up to 700 metres, landslides and tidal waves formed the Corinthian Gulf, an area of exceptional geological interest on a global scale.
The mountainous slopes rose up to 2000 m. above sea level, with an average incline today of over 30%. On the mountainous relief of Aigialeia, our wine-growers still find rounded pebbles and shells forgotten for centuries. However, in the deep flow of time, the geomorphic dynamic continues: geological movements and the fast-flowing rivers rushing down from the heights towards the Corinthian Gulf create new slopes and plateaus. The sub-soil of the region is constantly evolving.
Taking advantage of the unique relief of Aigialeia, our vineyards are planted on terraces and steep slopes, in poor and infertile soil, ideal for small-scale production and high quality that are distinctive of the ‘heroic viticulture’.
The terraces
Pyrgaki, Mamousia and Trapeza: three plateaus of about 400 ha each at an altitude of 840 m., formed by the silting of the rivers on the old coasts of the Corinthian Gulf, before they rose to today’s heights. On the terraces that were formed, the soil is light and of middling composition, sandy to sand-loam, sitting on compact pebble mixed with sand. They have a characteristic red colour and a slightly acid pH.
The mountain slopes
Arachova, Fteri, Doumena, Syracho – Ag. Theodoroi, Petsakoi: the mountain slopes, with steep inclines, were formed on the geological layers of the Olonos-Pindos zone composed of limestone interspersed with silica. Here, the soil is sandy to sand-loam and has a neutral or slightly alkaline pH.