2021 Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko, Nemea Peloponnese

Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko is a benchmark expression of Greece’s noble red grape, Agiorgitiko, grown in the high-altitude vineyards of Nemea in the northeastern Peloponnese. This wine comes from Gaia Wines, founded by Yiannis Paraskevopoulos and Leon Karatsalos, two pioneers of modern Greek viticulture who have been instrumental in elevating the reputation of indigenous varieties on the world stage.

Nemea is Agiorgitiko’s spiritual home. The Gaia Estate vineyard sits at 550 meters above sea level, where the cool nights and well-drained limestone soils provide ideal conditions for preserving freshness and structure in this naturally plush and aromatic variety. The old vines on this property yield low quantities of small, concentrated berries, giving the wine intensity and depth.

Fermented in stainless steel and aged in a mix of new and seasoned French oak for up to 12 months, the result is a powerful yet refined red with a distinctly Mediterranean soul. Aromas of ripe black cherries, crushed violets, blackcurrant and clove lead into a palate of juicy dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and earthy, savoury undertones of tobacco, dried oregano and cedar. There’s impressive length, poise and the potential for graceful ageing.

Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, trained in Bordeaux and now also a professor of oenology in Athens, approaches Agiorgitiko with scientific precision and deep cultural reverence. The Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko is a wine that balances modern polish with authentic Greek character.

It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, eggplant moussaka, rosemary-infused pork shoulder or a slow-braised beef stifado. Cellar-worthy for 8 to 12 years.