Giannikos Winery Swan Rosé 2024

Region and Vineyards

Giannikos Winery is located in Korinthos, northeastern Peloponnese, an area known for its sun-drenched vineyards and maritime influence. The winery cultivates its vineyards organically at altitude, where cool nights preserve acidity and promote aromatic finesse.

Swan Rosé is made exclusively from Agiorgitiko, a grape traditionally used for red wines in the Nemea region. Here, it is gently pressed and vinified as a rosé to reveal its lighter, fruitier and more floral dimension, a testament to both terroir and sensitive winemaking.

Winemaking

Harvested at optimal ripeness, the Agiorgitiko grapes are directly pressed, ensuring a very pale pink hue and refined aromatics. The fermentation is carried out in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures, enhancing freshness and preserving the natural fruit profile.

The wine is bottled young, with no oak influence, in order to maintain its vibrant, crisp personality. The organic certification further underscores Giannikos Winery’s commitment to low-intervention, sustainable viticulture.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale pink, with a luminous salmon tint.
• Aroma: Delicate notes of wild strawberry, rose petal, and hints of white peach.
• Palate: Light-bodied and crisp, with refreshing acidity and flavors of red berries, citrus zest, and a touch of minerality. The finish is dry, clean, and floral.

Did you know?

The name “Swan Rosé” was inspired by the grace and serenity of swans, a symbol that reflects the wine’s purity and poise. It also connects to the winery’s organic ethos and harmony with nature.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Shrimp ceviche with grapefruit and mint: Enhances the wine’s citrusy brightness and delicate structure.
• Goat cheese tart with herbs: The acidity cuts through the richness while complementing fresh herbs.
• Grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze: A match for the wine’s red fruit and floral lift.
• Salmon poke bowl: Balances umami richness with a refreshing, fruit-driven contrast.

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.