Hatziyiannis Spyros Saint George

Hatziyiannis Spyros Saint George is a Greek red wine made from the indigenous Agiorgitiko grape, available in a standard 750ml bottle. Agiorgitiko — literally "St. George" in Greek — is one of the country's most celebrated native red varieties, prized for its approachable fruit character and velvety texture.

Quick Facts: Style: Red Wine  |  Grape: Agiorgitiko (St. George)  |  Origin: Greece  |  Producer: Spyros Hatziyiannis

Production & Heritage

Agiorgitiko, also known internationally as Saint George, is Greece's most widely planted red grape and has deep roots in the Peloponnese region, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The variety thrives in the warm Mediterranean climate and produces wines that range from fresh and fruit-forward to structured and age-worthy, depending on vinification. Spyros Hatziyiannis works with this classic Greek variety to produce a red wine that reflects the grape's natural generosity and soft tannic profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe red cherry and raspberry lead the nose, followed by subtle hints of plum and a touch of dried herbs. There is a gentle earthiness underlying the bright fruit.

Taste: The palate opens with juicy cherry and red berry fruit, giving way to a smooth, medium-bodied mid-palate. Soft tannins frame the wine without harshness, and a mild spice accent adds depth as the flavors develop across the tongue.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering notes of ripe red fruit and a pleasant, lightly peppery warmth. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean and inviting aftertaste.

How to Drink Saint George

This wine shows best at a slightly cool cellar temperature, around 16–18°C (60–64°F), which preserves its fruit freshness while allowing the soft tannins to express themselves fully. It works beautifully as a straightforward sipper alongside a meal but can also serve as a versatile base in wine-forward mixed drinks: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) plays to its fruity, easygoing nature; a Red Wine Sangria benefits from the cherry and berry fruit as a foundation; and a classic Mulled Wine preparation draws out the wine's gentle spice notes during cooler months.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Greek indigenous grape varieties
• Weeknight Mediterranean dinners with grilled meats or pasta
• Building an exploration flight of Greek red wines
• Gifting to a wine enthusiast curious about Hellenic winemaking traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hatziyiannis Saint George taste like? It delivers ripe cherry and raspberry fruit with soft, approachable tannins, a medium body, and a gentle spice note on the finish — characteristic of well-made Agiorgitiko wines.

How does Hatziyiannis Saint George compare to Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko? Both wines showcase the Agiorgitiko grape's hallmark red fruit and gentle tannins, though Gaia Estate's Nemea bottlings tend to emphasize a more structured, oak-influenced profile. Hatziyiannis Saint George leans toward a fruit-forward, everyday drinking style.

Is Hatziyiannis Saint George good for beginners? Yes — Agiorgitiko is one of the most approachable red grape varieties, with soft tannins and generous fruit that appeal to drinkers who find more tannic reds intimidating.

Where is Hatziyiannis Saint George made? This wine is produced in Greece by Spyros Hatziyiannis, using the Agiorgitiko grape, which is indigenous to the Peloponnese and cultivated across several Greek wine regions.

What foods pair well with Hatziyiannis Saint George? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's Mediterranean character; moussaka echoes its earthy undertones; hard aged cheeses like Kefalotyri match its medium body; roasted red peppers highlight its fruit sweetness; and wood-fired pizza provides a casual, crowd-pleasing pairing.

What sizes does Hatziyiannis Saint George come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Hatziyiannis Saint George worth the price? It positions as an accessible, everyday Greek red wine, offering a genuine expression of the Agiorgitiko grape at a value-friendly tier — a solid entry point into the world of Greek indigenous varieties.

Why Hatziyiannis Saint George?

Agiorgitiko is arguably Greece's flagship red grape, and this bottling from Spyros Hatziyiannis provides a straightforward, honest representation of the variety. The wine's appeal lies in its approachability — soft tannins, generous red fruit, and a clean finish that doesn't require years of cellaring to enjoy. For drinkers looking beyond the familiar Cabernet and Merlot landscape, Saint George serves as a compelling gateway to the depth and diversity of Greek winemaking. It earns its place as both a reliable table wine and a conversation starter about one of the Mediterranean's most important native grapes.