What Is Agiorgitiko? Greek Red Wine Guide | Little Owl

The Blood of Hercules — easier to love than to pronounce.

Let's start with the name. Agiorgitiko (ah-your-YEE-tee-koh) translates as "Saint George's grape," named for a chapel in the Nemea region of the Peloponnese where this variety has been cultivated for centuries. Among wine lovers, it goes by another name too: the Blood of Hercules, because legend has it that the Greek hero drank the local Nemean wine after slaying the Nemean lion, the first of his twelve labours.

Big name. Big history. But the wine itself? Generous, approachable, and effortless.

Agiorgitiko: Origin and History

Agiorgitiko is the most widely planted red grape variety in Greece. Its heartland is the Nemea region of the Peloponnese peninsula, where it has been the dominant grape for centuries. Nemea received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 1971, and Agiorgitiko is the only grape variety permitted under this designation — making it as central to Greek red winemaking as Sangiovese is to Tuscany.

The grape takes its name from Agios Georgios (Saint George), likely referring to a chapel or monastery in the Nemea area. Its mythology runs deeper still: the wine of Nemea has been called the "Blood of Hercules" since ancient times, connecting this variety to one of the most celebrated stories in Greek myth.

While Nemea remains its spiritual home, Agiorgitiko is now grown across the Peloponnese, in Attica, and in parts of Macedonia. It adapts to its surroundings remarkably well — but always keeps its signature character.

What Does Agiorgitiko Wine Taste Like?

Agiorgitiko is a fruit-forward grape that produces wines ranging from light, fresh rosés to rich, oak-aged reds. The most common style, and the one that has won international recognition, is a dry, medium-bodied red:

Aroma: Ripe cherry, red berries, plum, and sometimes a hint of dried herbs or sweet spice.
Palate: Juicy and generous, with soft tannins, a savoury depth, and moderate acidity. Easy-drinking without being simple.
Finish: Clean and light, often with a gentle warmth and lingering berry fruit.

If you enjoy Pinot Noir, Merlot, or lighter styles of Grenache, you'll feel right at home with Agiorgitiko. It has that same welcoming, fruit-driven character — but with a distinctly Mediterranean identity.

How to Pronounce Agiorgitiko

Agiorgitiko is pronounced ah-your-YEE-tee-koh. The emphasis falls on the third syllable. You may also see it written as Aghiorghitiko in older references. Don't let the spelling put you off — it's far easier to drink than to spell.

Agiorgitiko vs Other Red Wines

If you enjoy approachable, fruit-forward reds, Agiorgitiko is a natural fit. Here's how it compares:

Like Pinot Noir: red-fruit-driven, silky tannins, food-friendly — but with more warmth and a Mediterranean character.
Like Merlot: soft, plummy, and easy-drinking — but with brighter acidity and less weight.
Like Grenache: berry fruit and gentle spice — but more elegant and less alcoholic.

Wine writers have noted that Agiorgitiko's approachable, international style may give Greek wine its greatest opportunity on the world stage.

Where Is Agiorgitiko Grown?

Nemea (Peloponnese): The heartland. Vineyards range from 250 to 900 metres above sea level, producing vastly different styles depending on altitude. The best examples come from mid-slope sites.
Wider Peloponnese: Beyond Nemea, the grape thrives across the peninsula's diverse terroirs. Our Little Owl Agiorgitiko comes from the Peloponnese's sun-drenched vineyards.
Attica and Macedonia: Smaller plantings that show the grape's adaptability to different climates and soils.

Our Agiorgitiko: Little Owl Agiorgitiko, PGI Peloponnese

The Little Owl Agiorgitiko is made from 100% Agiorgitiko grapes grown on the Peloponnese peninsula.

Grape: 100% Agiorgitiko
Region: PGI Peloponnese
ABV: 12%
Tasting notes: Juicy cherry fruit on the nose, savoury on the palate with a light aftertaste.

This is a food-forward wine designed to enhance whatever's on the plate. From a slow Sunday roast to a midweek bowl of pasta. It's not trying to be complicated. It's trying to be the best thing at the table. Discover our story and try it alongside our Assyrtiko — Greece's greatest white wine.

What Food Pairs with Agiorgitiko?

Agiorgitiko's soft tannins and berry fruit make it one of the most versatile red wines for food pairing:

Slow-roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic
Moussaka, pastitsio, and other Greek oven dishes
Soft cheeses — brie, camembert, young pecorino
Charcuterie boards with salami, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes
Mushroom risotto, ratatouille, or rich tomato pasta
Grilled lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, or barbecue

For more ideas, see our full pairing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Agiorgitiko

Is Agiorgitiko a dry wine?

Yes. While the grape can produce sweet wines, the most common style is dry. Our Little Owl Agiorgitiko is a dry red wine with 12% ABV.

What does Blood of Hercules wine mean?

It's the traditional nickname for wine made from Agiorgitiko grapes in Nemea. The legend says Hercules drank the local wine after slaying the Nemean lion, the first of his twelve labours.

Is Agiorgitiko similar to Pinot Noir?

They share some characteristics: red-fruit flavours, soft tannins, and food-friendliness. Agiorgitiko tends to be a little warmer and more Mediterranean in character, with softer acidity.

Where can I buy Agiorgitiko wine in the UK?

You can buy Little Owl Agiorgitiko online at littleowlwine.com with delivery across the UK. Free shipping when you order six bottles or more.

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