All about Nemea, Peloponnese.

Thanasis Papaioannou is one of the first producers who understood and promoted the idea that wine must maintain its unique characteristics. These characteristics come of the grape variety, the vineyards location as well as the procedures, which are followed by the viticulturist – producer for the sake of a biological balance. The family has private owned vineyards in various locations of Nemea and the chosen grape varieties are cultivated with the aim of achieving ultimate harmony with the eco system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Papaioannou’s son, George, a chemist – oenologist, continues the tradition and is as creatively active in his own vineyards as in the modern winery of the Ancient Nemea. The goal of both individuals is the continuous improvement of the wines produced, the maintenance of high standards of hygiene and organic characteristics as well as experimentation on new types of wines.

The size of the vineyard – 57 hectars – the various vineyards plots in areas of the zone, which are characterized by differences in the ecosystem and the age of the vines, lead to a multi – dynamic result.

The quality of the result is enhanced by the correct selection of a satisfactory number of varieties and the profound knowledge of its pioneers about everything that is related to the vineyard and its cultivation.

Please see HERE the official website of Papaioannou.

Please click HERE for prices and retailers of Papaioannou wines.

The Papaioannou wines tasted by GrapeRover:

2011 Papaioannou Roditis, PGI Corinth, 85 points.

85% roditis, 15% sauvignon blanc.

Dio certified organic.

Regional: Shrimp stuffed sole. World: deepfried prawns, flatfish (sauteed in butter), charcuterie, grilled greens.

Clear yellow. Some viscosity. Gentle aromas of mandarine, melon and lychee. Crisp and vivid acidity. On the palate ripe fruit like apple, citrus and orange. Invigorating with a hint of pleasant bitterness, eucalyptus and a little chalk. Lean and yet complex. Good lasting finish. Very pleasing.

2011  Papaioannou Assyrtiko, PGI Corinth, 85 points.

100% assyrtiko.

Dio certified organic.

Regional: Prawns & Halloumi. World: crustaceans, lobster, shellfish, rillettes, charcuterie, cream cheeses.

Clear yellow. Light viscosity. Elegant bouquet with lively, fresh tones of lemon, gooseberry and grapefruit. On the palate zesty, zippy flavors of citrus, chalky minerality and ripe melon. Opulent, excellent finish. Definitely thirst-quenching!

 

2011 Papaioannou Chardonnay, PGI Corinth, 83 points.

100% chardonnay.

Dio certified organic.

Regional: Roast Pheasant. World: cured pork, spit-roasted fowl, smoked fish, rich cheeses.

Bright golden yellow. Rich viscosity. Fragrances of butter, velvety lemon cordial, lychee and peach. Lively palate with tropical fruits, lemony acidity and a creamy texture. Polished texture and medium bodied. Pleasant finish.

2010 Papaioannou Chardonnay fume, PGI Corinth, 87 points.

100% chardonnay.

Dio certified organic.

4 months French oak.

Regional: Baked fish & artichoke / herbs. World: classic roasted turkey, duck liver/bacon, smoked fish and pork.

Deep golden yellow. Excellent viscosity. Elegant nose of cedar, underlayed with ripe tropical fruits like lychee, papaya and rich butter. Attractive soft palate with some butterscotch and fennel-seed. Velvety texture and pleasing, long lasting finish. Good quality!

2011 Papaioannou Agiorgitiko Rose, PGI Corinth, 80 points.

100% agiorgitiko.

Dio certified organic.

Regional: Chicken & lemon/thyme/garlic. World: spicy chicken, grilled prawns, rich spicy pastas, smoked fish salads.

More pale red than rose. In the nose lively red fruits like cherry and raspberry. Lean body with some light tannins. Pleasant, friendly, but no high-flyer.

 

2011 Papaioannou Agiorgitiko, PGI Peloponnese, 85 points.

100% agiorgitiko.

Dio organic certified.

Regional: Rabbit Stifado. World: classic moussaka, broiled meat, lamb chops, grilled greens.

Light red purple. Medium viscosity. The nose definitely has aromas of chalky cherries, vibrant. pure, and fresh. A lovely, cool and fresh style on the palate, sappy and with good juicy fruit, full of cherry and blackberry. On the palate a fine texture, savoury and dry. Some chalky notes and soft tannins gives a refined touch to a balanced and medium bodied, pleasant wine.

 

2010 Papaioannou Pinot noir, PGI Corinth, 88 points.

100% pinot noir

Dio organic certified.

6 – 8 months French oak.

Regional: Seared Duck breast. World: boeuf bourguignon, grilled frog legs, cock-au-vin, roasted greens, venison.

Red purple. Nice viscosity. Cherry, plum and blackberry fruit melted together in a fine harmonious nose. Robust undertones of leather and vanilla. The palate is full of jammy fruit and quite meaty. Voluptuous and warm, well balanced, a succesfull migrant from Burgundy!

2007 Papaioannou Syrah, PGI Corinth, 89 points. 

100% syrah.

Dio certified organic.

12 months French oak.

Regional: Roast Beef Greek style. World: roast game, prime red meat, saddle of lamb / hare, veal liver, matured hard cheeses.

Deep red purple. Dense viscosity. Broad aromas of ripe blueberry, prune and dark cherry. Elegant wafts of cedar, spice and mediterranean herbs. Wonderful, harmonious flavors of dark fruit, combined with a touch of pepper, clove and cinnamon. The soft tannins create a firm, voluminous body. Long and complex finish. Will improve some more….

2006 Papaioannou Agiorgitiko, vieilles vignes, PDO Nemea, 89 points.

100% agiorgitiko, old vines (+50 years old)

Dio certified organic.

12 months French oak.

Regional: Kleftiko. World: rich meat stews, kokoretsi, paidakia, game, rich cheeses.

Dark ruby, slightly brown rim. Great viscosity. Distinguished, elegant nose of ripened dark fruit like cherry (amarone), blackberry and plum. Well supporting fragrances of cedar and mushroom. Well balanced flavors of ripe dark fruit with a tinge of oriental spice and mellow oak. Firm body with a velvety structure. Pleasant long finish. Great class! Should improve even more…

2004 Papaioannou Cabernet Sauvignon cava, PGI Corinth, 91 points.

100% cabernet sauvignon.

Dio certified organic.

24 months French oak.

Regional: Greek rib-eye. World:  entrecote, fillet mignon, game, matured Dutch cheeses.

Deep dark ruby. Great viscosity. Intense and pure, ripe fruit on the nose, black currant and cherry character, with perfumed floral and dark chocolate tones. Warm right at the start, still loads of black-currant and ripe mellow, chewy tannins. Voluminous and viscous mouthfeel and body. Well developing and long lasting finish.