Giannikos Winery Pegasus 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Peloponnese, cradle of ancient Greek civilization, has been linked to viticulture for millennia, with Mycenae and Corinth historically renowned for wine culture. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate moderated by altitude and proximity to the sea, with long dry summers and cool nights that preserve acidity. Clay-limestone soils dominate, providing excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture to sustain vines in hot summers.

Giannikos Winery farms 8 hectares organically, split between two distinct terroirs. The Nemea hills are dedicated to red varieties, especially Agiorgitiko and the rare Avgoustiatis, producing wines of depth and structure. A second vineyard, near ancient Corinth and the sea, focuses on white grapes like Roditis and Malagousia, yielding fresher, saline wines. Avgoustiatis, once nearly extinct in the Peloponnese, has been revived by the estate, highlighting Greece's wealth of indigenous varieties.

Winemaking

Pegasus 2022 is made from 100% Avgoustiatis, hand-harvested from organic vineyards. Fermentation is conducted with careful temperature control to preserve aromatics and varietal character. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, enhancing texture, integrating tannins, and adding subtle layers of spice and complexity.

The result is a wine that balances tradition and precision: the oak maturation refines Avgoustiatis' natural power without masking its fruity and floral signature. The 2022 vintage, described as a renaissance for this grape, reflects both the resilience of indigenous varieties and the estate's commitment to authenticity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with violet highlights.
• Aroma: Plum, blackberry, and wild herbs such as thyme, lifted by violet florals, leather tones and a subtle oak spice.
• Palate: Generous, glycerol-textured mouthfeel; ripe dark fruit balanced by fine tannins, powerful yet smooth structure, and a lingering finish with herbal and floral resonance.

Did you know?

Avgoustiatis is a rare Greek grape, traditionally grown in the Ionian islands and western Peloponnese. Its name derives from "Avgoustos" (August), as it ripens early. Pegasus 2022 represents the rebirth of this variety in Nemea, with Giannikos reviving forgotten vines to craft a wine that bridges past and present.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: the wine's herbal notes and tannic frame echo the dish's depth and seasoning.
• Slow-roasted pork shoulder: glycerol richness and dark fruit complement succulence and caramelized edges.
• Guinea fowl with thyme and mushrooms: violet and leather notes weave seamlessly with earthy, savory flavors.
• Pasta with beef ragù: robust structure and ripe fruit stand up to hearty sauces.

History of Giannikos Winery

The story of Giannikos Winery begins in 1896, the year of the first modern Olympic Games—and the same year the Giannikos family planted their first vines in the ancient soils of Mycenae, one of the oldest viticultural areas in Europe.

A century later, in 1996, a fire devastated the original estate buildings. However, driven by family legacy and vision, Michalis Giannikos rebuilt the winery in Ancient Corinth, expanded the vineyards, and committed fully to organic viticulture—making him one of the first in Greece to adopt this philosophy.

By 2009, Giannikos wines were being exported internationally. In 2012, the estate received its first international gold and silver medals. Since then, its wines have garnered multiple awards and growing global recognition.

Region and Vineyards

Giannikos Winery cultivates 8 hectares of vineyards across two key locations: Corinth and Mycenae. Both areas benefit from Mediterranean sunshine, cool sea breezes, and excellent drainage, ideal for producing expressive, fresh wines.

The vineyards are certified organic, and all work—from pruning to harvest—is done by hand. Soils are varied, and altitudes provide ideal conditions for slow, balanced ripening.

The estate honors Greek viticultural heritage by cultivating native varieties such as:

• Roditis – crisp and mineral-driven
• Agiorgitiko – the noble red of Nemea
• Malagouzia – aromatic and floral

Alongside these, Giannikos also vinifies international varieties such as Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Viognier, sourced from top French clones and adapted to the Greek terroir.

Wine Range of Giannikos Winery

Giannikos produces a diverse portfolio of single-varietal and blended wines, all organic and expressive:

• At Sea – crisp white with maritime freshness
• Windmill – a floral, citrusy Roditis
• Retsina – a clean, modern take on Greece’s most historic wine
• Swan Rosé – delicate Agiorgitiko rosé with aromatic finesse
• Lion Agiorgitiko​ & Prince – structured, fruit-driven reds
• Eclipse & Trojan Horse – premium cuvées with aging potential
• Late Harvest Viognier – dessert wine with exotic fruit character

Did you know?

The Giannikos vineyards lie near Mycenae, an ancient civilization considered the cradle of Greek winemaking—active for more than 4,000 years. Their wines are a continuation of this deep-rooted viticultural lineage.