Agiorgitiko

An important red grape variety in Greece.

The Grapes Characteristics

The red wines can vary from rich and complex to soft and fruity. However, all styles have a noticeable, strong plummy flavour. The more complex wines are rich, deeply coloured and tannic. These wines have a great ageing ability, often between 5 and 10 years. This style often sees oak ageing in order to mellow the tannins and add more flavours to the final wine.

The lighter, more easy drinking examples are more fruity. They typically have lower levels of tannin and are often served slightly chilled. Within this category, some wines go through carbonic maceration to emphasise the fruity, plum flavours. There are many examples of wines that fit in between these two categories making it a grape that can suit many palates. Rosé is also made from Agiorgitiko. Typically, the rosé is dark pink and can be produced from dry to sweet. A small amount of pink sparkling is also made.

Key Regions:

Greece

The home of this great variety. Agiorgitiko is widely planted throughout Greece. The most important region in terms of quantity and quality being Nemea.

Nemea

Located to the west of Athens, in the North-East part of Peloponnese. The area produces a lot of the red wine from Greece. Red and rosé wine is produced from the Agiorgitiko variety.

The varying soils and altitudes help produce these two different styles and the selection of the site is very important. The region is also capable of producing rich, intense styles as mentioned in ‘The Grapes Characteristics’. In the Protected Designation of Origin Nemea (PDO is similar to AOC in France) the wine must only be produced from Agiorgitiko but can be made in dry-sweet styles.

Central Greece

In particular Attica. Attica is a region surrounding the capital Athens. Agiorgitiko is the main red grape variety grown.

Macedonia

Outside of Greece a few producers plant Agiorgitiko, some with great success.