Giannikos Lion Agiorgitiko PGI Peloponnese
A 100% Agiorgitiko red with soft tannins and hints of plum, cherry and nutmeg.
£17.95
Taste
Full-bodied, Plum cherry and baking spice
Aroma
Plum with hints of nutmeg
Description
A 100% Agiorgitiko red with soft tannins and hints of plum, cherry and nutmeg.
Description
Made from 100% Agiorgitiko, which is an indigenous ancient Greek grape variety. Hand-picked and sorted, the wine spends two to three weeks on its skins and then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Ruby red colour. Complex texture with soft tannins and hints of plum, cherry and nutmeg. Full bodied with a balanced acidity and long creamy finish. This red is great with grilled meats from pork to lamb, light sausages, poultry and hearty tomato based pasta dishes.
- 89 points Wine Advocat, “The 2018 Agiorgitiko The Lion was aged for 12 months in 30% new French oak and comes in at 13.6% alcohol. This is an understated and fresh Agiorgitiko, not one of those soft and fruity things – this relies more on structure. It shows its wood a bit on opening, then it becomes tight and pointed. In its elegance and freshness, it shoes very well. It’s a bit lean and linear, but dried raspberry overlay blends well into the whole and gives it just enough personality. Overall, this works well for a food wine this is refreshing as well as focused. It’s also beautifully structured, as suggested earlier. This ins’t a wine that shows off easy or sweet fruit, but has a lot to offer in it’s Burgundian style.” Dec 2021
About the estate
Having grown up in the vineyards, olive and orange groves of Mycenae and Corinth, Michalis Giannikos decided to follow his ancestors and to continue the work in the vineyards but with a modern approach. From a young age he was impressed by the century long history of wine making in the region and the different style of wines, aromas and tastes the Greek grape varieties can produce. The unique microclimate and terroir gave him the opportunity to make improvements in the vineyards. As a result, he switched to organic cultivation and became one of the first organic wine makers in Greece. At the same time, he started to experiment with international grape varieties. He wanted to see how they behave in the Greek climate and what benefits can arise. Pleased with the results he decided to continue with both Greek and internationally recognised grape varieties. The vineyards comprise of 8 ha over two sites one in Corinth around the winery and the other in Mycenae. The cooling winds together with the Mediterranean sun and the soil provide the best conditions for their indigenous and selected international grape varieties. Greece has rich heritage of indigenous grape varieties. Giannikos have planted the unique Roditis, Agiorgitiko and rediscovered Malagouzia.
Location
As close to purple as any wine I’ve seen. Soft tannins, as described. Long finish. Fresh, juicy plums. Takes me to the Mediterranean, a taverna by the sea with some maze.
Amore (verified owner) –