Giannikos Winery Windmill 2023

Region and Vineyards

Giannikos Winery is based in Korinthos (Corinth), northeastern Peloponnese, a region blessed with sun-drenched hillsides and maritime influence. The vineyards are organically farmed at higher altitudes, which provide cooler nights and help maintain acidity and aromatic complexity.

The Windmill is made entirely from Roditis, one of Greece’s most widely planted white grape varieties, but here it’s vinified with extra care to emphasize its freshness and subtle minerality. Roditis thrives in mountainous terrains, and Giannikos uses these elevated conditions to achieve an elegant, clean style.

Winemaking

The grapes are organically grown and hand-harvested, ensuring fruit of optimum ripeness and integrity. After a gentle pressing, the must is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks, which allows the varietal’s floral and citrus notes to shine.

There is no oak aging, preserving the crisp, linear character of the wine. The focus is on freshness, clarity, and a vibrant, mineral-laced palate. Bottled young, this cuvée is intended for immediate enjoyment but displays precision and balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with silver-green highlights.
• Aroma: Bright and lifted, with lemon blossom, green apple, and hints of white peach and wet stone.
• Palate: Light to medium-bodied, featuring zesty acidity, delicate citrus and orchard fruit notes, and a clean, mineral finish.

Did you know?

The name “Windmill” pays tribute to the traditional Greek windmills often seen across the Peloponnese and Aegean islands—symbols of harmony with nature and timeless elegance. Like the wine, they are part of the rural Greek landscape and cultural identity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass with lemon and thyme: The wine’s freshness complements the delicate texture of white fish and citrus marinade.
• Zucchini fritters with tzatziki: A traditional Greek match, both crisp and refreshing.
• Pasta with clams and parsley: Saline notes and acidity cut through the briny, herbal elements.
• Marinated artichoke and feta salad: An herbal, tangy pairing that echoes the wine’s brightness.

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.