Kanakaris, Select Vines Agiorgitiko 2023

Get to know: Kanakaris Select Vines Agiorgitiko

A serious expression of Agiorgitiko, showing depth, structure and classic Greek character. Rich, smooth and packed with dark fruit.

Tasting Note

This is a full and structured take on Agiorgitiko from the mountainous vineyards of Aigialeia in the northern Peloponnese. Expect aromas of cheery and plum fruit compotes, coffee, chocolate, frankincense, with a hint of tobacco and earthy notes. The palate is smooth and rounded, with soft tannins, balanced acidity and a warming, gently spiced finish.

It’s the richness and concentration, while still retaining the freshness that makes this grape so appealing.

Top food pairings:

• Stuffed aubergine with tomato and oregano
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic
• Cheese: aged feta or hard goats’ cheese

A great match for Mediterranean dishes or any slow-cooked, savoury meals.

Kate Says

“Agiorgitiko has real class when grown in the right places, and this wine shows what it can do. It’s rich and deep, but still beautifully balanced. There’s plenty of fruit, a lovely savoury quality, and just enough grip and freshness to make it a brilliant food wine. A great example of how Greek reds are stepping confidently onto the world stage.”

Producer Info

Kanakaris Winery is a family-run estate based in the Aigialeia region of northern Peloponnese – one of Greece’s best spots for growing Agiorgitiko thanks to its altitude, cooling breezes and limestone soils. The “Select Vines” range focuses on small parcels of mature vines that give lower yields and more concentrated fruit.

How it’s made:

• Hand-picked Agiorgitiko grapes are carefully selected and transported in small crates to keep them in top condition
• The grapes are gently cold-soaked to bring out colour and aroma before a cool fermentation (kept below 20ºC) to retain freshness
• Pressed with a light touch to preserve delicacy and purity
• The wine is matured for 3 months in stainless steel with micro-oxygenation, then aged for 8 months in oak barrels for extra depth
• It’s bottled under inert gas to keep everything fresh, clean and expressive

Why we love it:

This is Agiorgitiko with depth and polish – very approachable, but with structure and elegance that make it a brilliant choice for food. A great introduction to modern Greek reds from one of the country’s rising-star producers.