In the center of Greece, in the heart of Evia, within Lilantio’s vineyard -70 km northeastern of Athens- lies Mytikas or Ambelia (Vines) in its beautiful scenery. It is in this village that Economist Apostolos Mountrichas settled his winery in 1994.

The varieties that are cultivated are greek indigenous grapes and international as well. Malagousia, Asyrtiko, Muscat blanc a petits grains, Sauvignon blanc, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Mavrokoudoura (a very rare red indigenous ancient greek variety – which it has been revived by mr. Mountrichas a few years ago), Syrah, Grenache rouge and Merlot.

History

Avantis is the ancient name of Evia originated by the name of the first prehistoric greek tribe, the Avantes. The viticultural history of the Mountrichas family starts in the 19th  century having 10he of land.

Terroir

The 20 hectare vineyards of the Avantis Estate are found in Evia in Central Greece. The soil is mostly gravel & stone gravel,  sand clay and loam. The vineyards are found at an altitude of 250 – 500 m. lying on semi-mountainous slopes or even steep mountainous ones.

The climate is Mediterranean – cold winters, warm summers and long, dry autumns. During autumn and winter months cold air masses blow down from the mountains that surround Avantis vineyards. The long periods of sunshine help grapes ripen ideally.

Winemaker

Mr. Apostolos Mountrichas was born in Athens and grew up at Mytikas, Llilantio. He is an Economist, graduate of Department of Economics, University of Athens. After University he took Oenology & wine tasting courses at the ‘Greek Wine Academy’.

He is the man thanks to whom the wines produced have had such a success for 19 years. He is the ‘brains’ and the ‘soul’ of the estate. He is very famous for his commitment to the Syrah grape. He has been called many times as a ‘Master of Syrah’. In 2006 he was a candidate for best Greek winemaker of the year. He is married to Oenologist Lenga Grigoriadou (WSET Diploma) and they both work hard to make their dream come true – the production of top quality wines and the revival of vineyards in Evia.

Awards

Avantis Estate has conquered many medals and awards  (over 300 medals) from international wine competitions (Decanter Wine Awards, IWC, IWSC, Syrah du Monde, Vinalies International, Berliner Wein Trophy, China Wine Awards, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition).

Specifically Avantis Estate has gained high scores (90+) from the American wine writers Mr. Robert Parker & Mr. Squires (Wine Advocate), Mrs. Tara Q. Thomas (Wine & Spirits), the Canadian Mr. Tony Aspler and the British  mrs. Julia Harding MW, close partner of mrs. Jancis Robinson MW, that she has written an article about fine greek red wines. Among others Avantis Estate wines, she has tasted and graded our top Syrah Avantis, the Collection. http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/greeks-in-athens

 Many Masters of Wine have visited the Avantis Estate such as, Mr. Joel Butler MW, President of the Institute of Masters of Wine –North America, mr. Konstantinos Lazarakis MW and mr. Yiannis Karakasis MW.