Agiorgitiko is the stalwart grape of Greece’s Nemea region. It can range in style from light and juicy to deep and weighty, depending on the producer’s desired style. The GAI’A Agiorgitiko is a serious wine indeed. From the Koutsi subregion of Nemea, it shows a beautiful balance of fruit, oak and spice. The bouquet is redolent of ripe blackberries and raspberries underlain by hints of black pepper and sun-dried herbs plus subtle vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg tones from its oak aging. The flavors are forward and attractive, with layers of raspberry and blackberry fruits given added interest by the spice and herb nuances. Delicious now, it will cellar well for another five years.
GAI’A Estate, Nemea (Peloponnese, Greece) Agiorgitiko 2011
By Wayne Belding