Gaia Estate Red 2021

Region and Vineyards

Gaia Estate is located in the Nemea region of the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece. Nemea is renowned for its ideal viticultural conditions, particularly for the Agiorgitiko grape, a fragrant red variety native to this area. The Gaia Estate vineyard spans seven hectares and is situated in Koutsi, at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level. This elevation contributes to a cooler climate, which is beneficial for the slow maturation of the grapes, allowing for the development of complex flavors.

The vineyard's soils consist of a layer of approximately 75 centimeters of clay over a bed of limestone, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the unique minerality of the wines. The 40-year-old vines are trained according to the Spur Cordon method, and the yields are kept low at 45 to 48 hectolitres per hectare to ensure high quality and concentration in the grapes. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested to preserve their integrity.

Winemaking

The Agiorgitiko grapes for the Gaia Estate Red undergo a meticulous winemaking process to extract the best possible flavors and aromas. The grapes are cold soaked and macerated for approximately 20 days to achieve the desired levels of color, flavor, and aromatic extraction. Fermentation occurs with selected yeasts in traditional oak fermenters at temperatures between 22 to 28°C.

The wine undergoes 100% malolactic conversion, followed by 18 to 20 months of maturation in mostly new French oak casks. This ageing process adds depth and complexity to the wine, imparting subtle oak characteristics without overpowering the fruit. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration to maintain its purity and structure.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red.
• Aroma: Concentrated notes of red and black fruits, with hints of vanilla, black pepper, and violet.
• Palate: Rich and velvety texture with great depth and complexity. The palate reveals layers of sweet fruits, robust yet smooth tannins, and a long, smooth finish.

Did you know?

Gaia Wines is one of the pioneers of the modern Greek wine revolution. Established in 1994 by Greek winemakers Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, Gaia operates from two wineries in the important wine-growing regions of Nemea and Santorini. Their main aim is to explore the boundaries and present the potential of indigenous Greek grape varieties to wine enthusiasts worldwide​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Lamb: The rich, savory flavors of grilled lamb complement the robust tannins and fruit profile of the wine.
• Moussaka: The layers of meat, eggplant, and béchamel sauce are enhanced by the wine's complexity and depth.
• Mature Cheeses: The wine's bold flavors and smooth finish pair well with aged cheeses, creating a harmonious balance.
• Beef Stew: The hearty, slow-cooked flavors of a beef stew are a perfect match for the wine's rich and layered profile.

History of GAI’A

GAI’A was born from the shared ambition of two men to showcase the immense potential of Greece’s indigenous grape varieties. Leon Karatsalos, a viticulturist, and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, a Bordeaux-trained oenologist with a PhD in winemaking, set out to elevate the quality and international reputation of Greek wines.

Their journey began on the island of Santorini, where they produced their first wine—a pure, mineral-driven Assyrtiko that captured the island’s unique volcanic terroir. From there, they expanded operations to Koutsi (Nemea) in the Peloponnese, known for its red wines based on Agiorgitiko. Over the years, GAI’A has become a leading force in Greece’s modern wine movement, known for its experimental mindset, rigorous vineyard work, and precise vinification.

GAI’A’s founding philosophy remains unchanged: to marry native Greek varieties with cutting-edge winemaking techniques and highlight the authenticity of the terroirs from which they come.

Region and Vineyards

GAI’A works with two iconic Greek terroirs:

• In Santorini, the vines—many ungrafted and over 100 years old—are trained in the traditional kouloura basket shape to resist wind and drought. The volcanic soils contribute intense minerality and salinity, especially in their acclaimed Assyrtiko wines.
• In Koutsi (Nemea), the vineyards are located on north-facing clay-limestone slopes at higher elevation, providing cooler growing conditions. This favors the Agiorgitiko grape, resulting in wines with balance, structure, and aromatic complexity.

The estate also grows Roditis, used for its elegant interpretation of Retsina—a style they have helped reimagine and rehabilitate through the Ritinitis Nobilis cuvée.

Wine Range of GAI’A

GAI’A offers a refined portfolio that reflects the diversity of Greek terroirs and varieties:

• Thalassitis: A Santorini Assyrtiko with sharp acidity, minerality, and age-worthy structure.
• Wild Ferment: A complex Assyrtiko fermented with indigenous yeasts, partially in oak, offering depth and texture.
• GAI’A Estate: A powerful yet fresh Agiorgitiko-based red from Nemea, aged in oak and known for its layered profile.
• Ritinitis Nobilis: A modern, subtle take on Retsina, made from Roditis with a touch of Aleppo pine resin.
• 4-6h Rosé: A vibrant rosé made from Syrah and Agiorgitiko, fermented after a brief skin contact for finesse and freshness.

Did you know?

GAI’A was the first estate in Greece to prove, in the 1990s, that Retsina could be a refined and gastronomic wine, paving the way for a renewed international appreciation of this historic style.