Gaia Estate is a prominent winery in Greece, located in two regions: Nemea, situated in the Peloponnese, and the island of Santorini. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the Nemea winery and vineyard, guided by co-owner Yiannis Paraskevopoulos. The vineyard, set at an altitude, benefits from a more temperate climate.
In Santorini, the winery cultivates Assyrtiko on volcanic soil that lacks clay, resulting in low yields and the absence of phylloxera. This unique growing conditions allow for ungrafted vines. The age of these vines is remarkable; they have existed on the island since 1500 BCE, making them some of the oldest in the world. The way these vines are pruned, allowing each to regenerate from the same root every 80-100 years, results in roots that could potentially be centuries old. The sparse rainfall and the soil’s inability to retain water further contribute to the unique character of the wines produced here.
The terroir contributes to the distinctive flavors of Santorini’s Assyrtiko, which has seen a sodium level increase of 400 times compared to those grown in Nemea, due to the influence of sea spray.
The Wines
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Gaia Thalassitis 2021 Santorini
- Style: Stainless steel, 6 months on lees
- Notes: Fresh citrus and salty minerals, integrated acidity, and a spicy finish.
- Rating: 91/100
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Gaia Thalassitis Cellar Aged 2015 Santorini
- Notes: Aromatic with herbs and citrus, lively palate with high acidity and complexity.
- Rating: 93/100
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Gaia Submerged 2018 Santorini
- Notes: Aged underwater for four years, featuring toast, nuts, and spices.
- Rating: 93/100
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Gaia Amonite 2021 Santorini
- Notes: Lively, saline, with precise citrus fruit and a sense of elegance.
- Rating: 94/100
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Gaia Born to Be Wild 2021 Santorini
- Notes: Intense and lively, layered with salty lime and pear fruit.
- Rating: 94/100
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Gaia Nychteri 2020 Santorini
- Notes: Bold citrus fruit with mineral edges, zippy acidity.
- Rating: 93/100
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Gaia Assyrtiko Clay 2018 Santorini
- Notes: Powerful with tannin, tea, and orange peel notes.
- Rating: 94/100
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Gaia 4-6H Agiorgitiko 2022 Peloponnese
- Notes: Bright with juicy fruit and nicely spiced finish.
- Rating: 90/100
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Gaia Monograph 2022 Peloponnese
- Notes: Expressive red cherry and berry fruit, nice fruit profile.
- Rating: 89/100
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Agiorgitiko by Gaia 2021 Nemea
- Notes: Pure and juicy with good grip and brightness.
- Rating: 92/100
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Gaia S 2020 Peloponnese
- Notes: Concentrated with sweet black cherry and hints of pepper.
- Rating: 94/100
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Gaia Estate 2020 Nemea
- Notes: Intense blackcurrant fruit with good acidity.
- Rating: 95/100
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Vertzami 2021 (barrel sample)
- Notes: Powerful and concentrated with bold fruit.
- Rating: 95-97/100 (potential)
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Gaia Wines Ritinitis Nobilis 2022
- Notes: Aromatic with pine and citrus, fresh and lively.
- Rating: 89/100
For more information, visit Gaia Wines.