Greek Wines: Palivou Estate

Palivou Vineyards, located in the Nemea valley of the Peloponesse, is owned by George and Angeliki Palivos and has been in their family for about 150 years. Their philosophy is that "wine is made in the vineyard and not the winery." The vineyards are located 1400-2133 feet above sea level in a mountainous region near the Bay of Corinth. Terroir is very important to the winery.

The 2007 Pavilou Rose is made from 100% Agiorgitiko and is more an Old World rose. It had a nice pink color and a fresh berry nose with hints of floral smells. On the palate, there are subtle flavors of strawberry, cherry and raspberry and it is a dry, crisp wine. A very pleasant, easy-drinking wine that would be great for summer.


The 2006 Palivou St. Agiorgitiko is made from 100% Agiorgitiko like the rose but is a light, red wine. Its fruit flavors, strawberry, cherry and raspberry, are prominent and it is a smooth, easy-drinking wine. No oak was used so you get all the fruit. Tame tannins with a moderate finish and an exotic, and pleasing, after-taste. This is a wine to enjoy with or without food. It reminds me a bit of a good merlot until the finish.

The 2005 Pavilou Nemea is also made from 100% Agiorgitiko but sees oak. It spends 12-14 months in new French oak and then 6-8 months more in the bottle. The red berry flavors shine forth in this smooth, easy-drinking wine that adds some spicy notes. It has a lingering finish with an exotic aftertaste and is absolutely delicious. This wine is a delicious liquid velvet and would make an excellent food wine. With its mild tannins, I could enjoy this on its own too.