2023 Gaia Agiorgitiko, Nemea Peloponnese

Gaia Agiorgitiko from Nemea in the Peloponnese is a vibrant and polished expression of Greece’s most widely planted red grape, crafted with precision by one of the country's most respected producers, Gaia Wines. Founded by Yiannis Paraskevopoulos and Leon Karatsalos in the early 1990s, Gaia has helped transform the global perception of Greek wine through a mix of tradition, innovation and deep respect for native varieties.

This wine comes from vineyards in the heart of Nemea, a region known since ancient times as the land of the lion-hearted hero Hercules and equally famous today for its high-elevation sites and limestone soils that give Agiorgitiko its signature freshness and finesse.

Unlike the richer Gaia Estate bottling, this version is all about approachability and purity. It’s fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in used oak, allowing the naturally plush, spicy fruit of Agiorgitiko to shine. Expect aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, cinnamon and rose petals. On the palate it’s medium-bodied, juicy and silky, with soft tannins and a touch of black pepper and thyme on the finish.

Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, who also teaches oenology in Athens and trained in Bordeaux, brings both technical mastery and a real love for Greek terroir to the winemaking. This wine is a perfect introduction to Agiorgitiko: expressive, versatile and modern without losing its roots.

A dream match with grilled lamb skewers, tomato-rich pastas, lentil moussaka or even seared tuna with Mediterranean herbs. Best enjoyed young and vibrant, but it will evolve gracefully over a few years.