Agiorgitiko

Agiorgitiko is a red wine grape variety native to Greece and one of the country’s most important and widely planted red grapes. The name derives from Greek agios Georgios, meaning Saint George, a connection reflected in several regional labels and marketing names.

The grape is especially associated with the Nemea DOC in the Peloponnese, where it forms the basis of many single-varietal wines as well as blends. Outside Nemea, it is grown across other regions of the Peloponnese and in parts of Attica, producing wines that vary in style from light to fuller-bodied.

Stylistically, Agiorgitiko ranges from approachable, fruit-forward wines to deeper, oak-influenced styles with more tannin. Youthful wines often show red cherry, plum and floral notes; aged examples may reveal spice, chocolate and leather. Acidity is generally moderate to high, and alcohol levels tend to be mid-to-high.

Viticulture and aging: the grape ripens reliably in warm climates and can yield wines with aging potential, commonly 5 to 15 years in favorable vintages. Winemaking approaches vary, with some producers emphasizing fresh fruit character and others aiming for structure and complexity through oak aging.

Wine region and market impact: Agiorgitiko supports a broad range of styles and price points, contributing to both casual drinking wines and more premium, age-worthy bottles. It is often labeled simply as Agiorgitiko, with occasional regional spellings such as Aghiorgitiko.