Lefkadia Valley. How to create a premium wine estate. Interview with Mikhail Nikolaev

THE IDEA
• The idea was to create a world-class wine that would be able to compete on a global scale.
• Territorial development is important. Lefkadia Valley was established as a wine region that would host several wine estates.
• Lefkadia has acquired world-class knowledge though its consultants.
• “Premium wine” is wine that can age. Time makes it better, more rare and higher in price.

THE VALUES
• The history of the region is important for to create an identity and a unique selling point.
• The history of the ancient Bosporan Kingdom helps Lefkadia to associate this territory with a long- established wine culture.
• Amphorae wines are not only a modern trend but also a part of history that is reconstructed in Lefkadia Valley, in its museum, winery and restaurant.
• Local farms and their products give many opportunities for enogastronomic experiences and attract tourists
• Tourist attractions: history, gastronomy, wine, healthy lifestyle, hospitality.

THE TERROIR
• Smaller production allows for a pronounced uniqueness, individuality and character.
• Four elements of terroir are essential: soil, climate, vines and humans with their attitude and personal values that one can feel in the product.
• Sustainable principles are important for the soil and for territory management – a balance has to exist between all the elements in the environment and production methods.
• Responsible farming and production keep the land for the future generations – good wine is a multi-generational product

GREAT WINE
«To be great the wine has to be unique and recognizable.
Wine should be able to age and improve for a long time.
The main difference between good wine and great wine is time»

LOCAL LUXURY?
• The aging potential of autochthonous varietals is not big yet, so it should be investigated further
• Some European varietals could become local in the future due to the good adaptation to domestic conditions

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