Giannikos Winery Retsina

Region and Vineyards

Giannikos Winery is based in Korinthos (Corinth), in the northeastern Peloponnese, a region with both historical winemaking roots and a warm Mediterranean climate. The vineyards benefit from dry summers, sea breezes, and organic farming practices.

Retsina, a wine deeply rooted in Greek antiquity, is traditionally made in central and southern Greece, often from the Savatiano or Roditis varieties. Though the precise grape is not confirmed for this cuvée, it's likely to include Savatiano, known for its subtle citrus and herbal notes, ideal as a base for pine resin aromatization.

Winemaking

Giannikos Retsina follows the traditional method of adding Aleppo pine resin during fermentation, not after. This allows the pine aromas to integrate subtly with the wine, avoiding the overly resinous character of older or lower-quality retsinas.

The wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks to preserve brightness, and fermented at cool temperatures, resulting in a clean and focused style. As with all Giannikos wines, organic certification ensures purity from vine to bottle, free from synthetic chemicals or additives beyond the natural pine resin.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with green tints, clear and luminous.
• Aroma: Elegant pine resin nose complemented by lemon peel, dried herbs, and a whisper of fresh mint.
• Palate: Dry and zesty, with medium body and a refreshing saline finish. Pine is present but well-balanced, offering a clean counterpoint to citrus fruit.

Did you know?

Retsina dates back to Ancient Greece, when pine resin was used to seal amphorae. Over time, the taste became part of the wine’s identity. Today, high-quality versions like Giannikos’s retsina are enjoying a revival, offering elegance and gastronomic versatility.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Greek meze platter: Olives, taramosalata, and dolmades harmonize with the herbal resin tones.
• Grilled sardines with lemon and herbs: The pine accent complements the char and bright acidity balances the oil.
• Fried zucchini or eggplant chips: Pairs with the wine’s crisp texture and resin lift.
• Roast chicken with oregano and lemon potatoes: A rustic, herb-inflected dish that echoes the wine’s Greek soul.

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.