Agiorgitiko the wine of Nemea
Agiorgitiko the wine of Nemea. We will take you to one of Greece’s loveliest wine regions, Nemea, stopping at top wineries for a glass of Agiorgitiko. Just one hour and a half from Athens lies a place seemingly blessed by Mount Olympus. Hercules showed his early feats of bravery here, while Demeter sought solace and comfort. Zeus’ temple was erected here in the 4th century BC. It was Dionysus who, according to legend, sent his son, Phlias, to plant vineyards throughout Nemea and create the country’s premier wine-producing region. Over 30 wineries, nearly half of which are open for visitors, map out Nemea’s wine routes, inviting you to dive into their tantalizing world. Passionate winemakers eagerly await to guide you through their vineyards and cellars.
In the Heartland of Agiorgitiko
Features like the Temple of Zeus, the stadium where the Nemean Games were held with a wild celery crown as the prize, and a quaint Archaeological Museum filled with treasures linked to tales worthy of the silver screen – are set against a backdrop brimming with vineyards and cypresses.
We travel through a novel, forward-thinking Nemea, and give a bow to the Agiorgitiko grape, enjoying its intoxicating aromas of raisin, dried plum, and mocha. We visit vineyards, wine cellars, and traditional presses juxtaposed with innovative technology and modern architectural touches, visit restaurants that celebrate both the land and its history, and hear of festive events and concerts that breathe life into winery courtyards.
The vinicultural haven of Nemea has it all and, at just one hour from Athens, stands as the perfect destination for both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts. Nemea today is a flourishing ensemble of scattered wineries, with 17 villages within a wine-producing belt.
Agiorgitiko: What’s in a Name?
Nemea’s vineyard is located not only in the namesake plain but also at the foothills of Mount Kyllini, spanning 25,000 stremmata. Depending on the location, the vineyards range in altitude between 200 and 850 meters, with the Agiorgitiko grape prevailing throughout. The famous grape gets its name from a small chapel of Saint George (‘Aghios Georgios’) and is distinguished by its deep blue hue, spherical berries, and thick skin. It is a versatile grape variety that produces exceptional wines, and variations in which it can be found include freshly drawn from the tank, lightly aged, and deeply matured, as well as rosé, white, the renowned blanc de noir
, and sweet dessert wines. Since 1971, the dry red Nemea wine belongs to the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) category.
Yiannis Flerianos/Photo: Nikos Kokkas
Visiting the Best Wineries
Semeli Estate
Our first stop is at a winery steeped in history. Established in 1979, the Semeli Estate became a benchmark for the wine-producing region of Nemea and all of the Peloponnese. Dominating the landscape from its vantage point atop a hill in Koutsi, it is housed in an architecturally beautiful building. The winery was designed with a deep respect for its surroundings, boasting a sculpturally conceived roof that follows the gradient of the land. Its various levels harness gravity, ensuring that the flow of the must during wine production is primarily natural
To the south lie the vineyards of Nemea, while to the north, one’s gaze reaches the This unique terroir perfectly cradles the classic Agiorgitiko, as well as carefully selected international grape varieties
Palyvos Estate/Photo: Nikos Kokkas
Winery Palyvos
Our journey continues to another inspired winemaker, George Palyvos, and his eponymous winery in Ancient Nemea. He possesses one of Nemea’s most expansive single vineyards and pioneered the initiative of making it accessible to visitors. This endeavor set a standard akin to the benchmarks of international vineyards. Today, he’s taken a creative leap forward, crafting a viewing point at the highest part of the vineyard. Here, a repurposed train carriage serves as a wine bar, and on its “platform”, guests can indulge in the estate’s wines while overlooking the vineyards.
Gaia Estate/Photo: Nikos Kokkas, Agiorgitiko
Returning to Koutsi, we find the Gaia Wines winery. This modern industrial edifice, constructed in 1997, is carving its niche in the annals of wine history. Exploration, innovation, experimentation, and beloved wines that grace our tables – from the famed Nemea to the Anatolikos, a sweet wine made from sun-dried Agiorgitiko grapes, Gaia stands as a formidable wine entity in the region.
Vine alternatives: Vinegar and Grape Syrup
In the same region, “Nature’s Wisdom” (‘Sophia tis Fisis’) delves deeply into the world of grapevines, crafting an array of distinguished vinegars and grape syrups. This robust family business, dedicated to organic vinegar and syrup production, harnesses the potential of their grapes, enhancing the area’s wine-related offerings.
Initiating their journey in 2005, they set out to cultivate roughly 80 acres of privately owned Agiorgitiko vineyards in the OPAP Nemea zone. By 2006, they completed their processing and standardization facility on the slopes of Koutsi village. From this vantage point, one can gaze upon the captivating Nemea Valley and its seemingly endless vineyards. Within this setting, they offer cooking classes and tastings.
“Wisdom of Nature”/Photo: Nikos Kokkas
In conversation with the visionaries behind this enterprise, Nikos Bouzinelos and Kostis Banagis, we discover that their vinegars find homes worldwide. Their ambition? To further emphasize the venue hosting their culinary classes and tastings. Meanwhile, Alfa Leone has been a name in the vinegar industry for over a quarter of a century. Their story began in 1992 when Vasilis Basaniotis commenced his vinegar production using Agiorgitiko grapevines. From balsamic to aged vinegar, infused with pomegranate juice or derived from either white or red wine, Alfa Leone’s portfolio continues to flourish. In conversation with Alexis Basaniotis, we sense an aura of continuity, as he reveals plans for a dedicated vinegar production space within their private vineyard, on the fringes of Nemea.
Kera Neme, Nemea’s new hospitality haven/Photo: Nikos Kokkas
Nemea’s Welcoming New Hotel
Our journey took a delightful turn as Nemea introduced its brand-new gem: the Kera Neme Hotel. This establishment stands proudly as the city’s inaugural hotel, right at its heart, drawing significant inspiration from the region’s rich wine heritage. The interiors are a masterclass in tasteful simplicity, with touches of luxury that are understated yet distinct. Comprising nine twin rooms, the hotel also boasts its wine cellar.
The essence of the hotel embodies Maria Athanasiou and Christos Korakas’ vision of hospitality. Its name carries allegorical nuances, alluding to the “grand dame” – the nurturer, the educator, the very homeland that raises us. We found repose in its contemporary, inviting lounge and indulged in a delectable array of dishes, limited in number but rich in flavor. From a burger with handmade bread, ravioli, and pins to a refreshingly crisp green salad, every bite was an ode to culinary art. Naturally, we paired our meal with wines from the vicinity, an experience reminiscent of embracing Nemea’s very soul.
Source:https://www.travel.gr
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