GRAPE VARIETIES · NEMEA
Agiorgitiko
The noble red variety of the Peloponnese
THE VARIETY
The flagship variety of Nemea
Agiorgitiko is the flagship variety of Nemea – the largest PDO zone in Greece and one of the most historic wine regions of the country, known in antiquity as the «Phliasian plain». The zone stretches from 250 to 850 metres of altitude, and this variation gives its wines complexity and authenticity.
The limestone slopes and the poor, stony soils of the foothills are considered ideal for the variety. From there come wines of intense character, rich structure and great ageing potential. Soft and elegant in its youth, Agiorgitiko gains depth with time – and is today recognised as one of the most important red varieties of the Mediterranean.
THE GAIA APPROACH
From Koutsi, at 550 metres
In 1997 GAIA Wines acquired 7 hectares of privately owned vineyard in Koutsi, one of the finest sub-zones of PDO Nemea, and built its winery there at 550 metres of altitude. The poor limestone soils, the steep slopes and the cooler temperatures naturally limit yields and allow slow, gradual ripening. The result is an Agiorgitiko of exceptional structure, intensity and ageing potential – unlike any other in the zone.
With GAIA ESTATE we overturned the belief that Agiorgitiko cannot make long-ageing wines. With GAIA S we blended it with Syrah. With OPTIMUS, on our 30th anniversary, we introduced a new approach to the cultivation, vinification and maturation of the variety. And with the rosés 4-6h and MONOGRAPH we explore its freshest, everyday side.
GAIA was the first winery to plant a certified Agiorgitiko clone (ENTAV-INRA 001VNB), ushering in a new era for Nemea and its emblematic Agiorgitiko: healthy, uniform vines and consistently superior quality characteristics that lay the foundations for the wines of the decades to come.
