Stylianou Estate

Overview & Philosophy

Stylianou Estate (Οινοποιείο Στυλιανού) is a boutique, family-run winery located in the village of Ancient Kleones, at the northern edge of the PDO Nemea region in the Peloponnese, Greece.
Founded by Giannis Stylianou, the estate was established with a clear mission: to produce authentic, terroir-driven wines that respect the land, the vine, and the traditions of Nemea.
The winery’s philosophy blends organic viticulture, minimal intervention winemaking, and meticulous craftsmanship, emphasizing the natural balance between soil, grape, and climate.
Stylianou Estate specializes in Agiorgitiko, the noble red grape of Nemea, and produces elegant wines characterized by freshness, balance, and minerality — a true reflection of its mountain vineyards.

Vineyards & Terroir

  • Location: The vineyards are located near Ancient Kleones, in the northern part of Nemea, Corinthia, Peloponnese.

  • Altitude: Approximately 700 meters above sea level — among the highest elevations in the PDO Nemea appellation.

  • Soils:

    • Limestone and clay-limestone, rich in calcium carbonate, providing structure and finesse.

    • Excellent drainage and low fertility encourage low yields and concentrated fruit.

  • Climate:

    • Mediterranean with mountain influence.

    • Warm, sunny days balanced by cool nights from the nearby Ziria and Oligyrtos mountain ranges.

    • Large day–night temperature variations preserve acidity and aromatic freshness.

  • Vineyard Area: Around 6 hectares, planted exclusively with Agiorgitiko.

  • Farming:

    • Certified organic; no use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

    • Hand-tended vines; pruning, canopy management, and harvesting performed manually.

    • Low yields — typically 30–40 hl/ha — ensure concentration and intensity.

  • Harvest: Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery.

Grape Varieties

The estate focuses almost exclusively on Agiorgitiko, expressing the variety through different winemaking styles.
Small plantings of Roditis and Malagouzia are used for experimental white and rosé wines.

Main Varieties:

  • Agiorgitiko (PDO Nemea): Deeply colored, aromatic red grape producing wines of elegance and structure.

  • Roditis & Malagouzia: Minor plantings used in small quantities for fresh, aromatic whites.

Winemaking Philosophy & Techniques

Stylianou Estate combines natural precision and traditional craftsmanship, allowing each wine to express the distinctiveness of its vineyard.

  • Fermentation:

    • Conducted in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts whenever possible.

    • Controlled temperatures ensure slow, steady fermentations that preserve fruit and freshness.

  • Maceration:

    • Typically 10–15 days on skins for Agiorgitiko reds, with gentle extraction.

    • Short maceration for rosés to achieve delicate color and texture.

  • Aging:

    • Reds: 8–12 months in French oak barrels (mostly second and third use).

    • Whites: 4–6 months on fine lees in stainless steel or neutral oak.

  • Fining & Filtration: Minimal fining and gentle filtration before bottling.

  • Sulfur Use: Very limited; enough to ensure stability without affecting character.

  • Bottling: Done on-site; all wines bottled unblended and aged before release.

Signature Wines & Portfolio

Red Wines

  • Stylianou Estate Nemea (PDO Agiorgitiko):
    The flagship red of the winery. Elegant, medium-bodied wine with aromas of cherry, plum, and herbs. Fresh acidity and fine tannins highlight the high-altitude terroir.

  • Stylianou Reserve Nemea:
    Aged 12 months in French oak and 6 months in bottle. Richer and more structured, with layers of red fruit, cocoa, and spice.

  • Stylianou “Kleones” Agiorgitiko:
    A special selection from older vines; limited production. Expressive of mountain freshness, minerality, and balance.

White & Rosé Wines

  • Roditis White:
    Fresh, lively white with citrus and floral notes; fermented in stainless steel for purity.

  • Malagouzia White:
    Aromatic and lightly textured, with peach, jasmine, and herbal notes.

  • Agiorgitiko Rosé:
    Pale pink, dry rosé with strawberry, rose, and pomegranate aromas. Crisp and elegant.

Technical & Operational Details

  • Region: Ancient Kleones, Nemea PDO, Corinthia, Peloponnese, Greece.

  • Vineyard Area: ~6 hectares (estate-owned).

  • Altitude: 700 meters.

  • Soil Composition: Limestone and clay-limestone.

  • Viticulture: Certified organic, hand-harvested, low yields.

  • Fermentation Vessels: Stainless steel, with some oak aging.

  • Aging: 6–12 months (depending on wine style).

  • Annual Production: Approximately 25,000 bottles.

  • Export: Wines distributed domestically and internationally to select European and U.S. markets.

  • Facility: Small gravity-flow winery designed for minimal mechanical handling and gentle vinification.

Strengths & Distinctive Qualities

  • One of the highest-elevation vineyards in Nemea, yielding wines with exceptional freshness, finesse, and longevity.

  • Certified organic farming, reflecting respect for land, nature, and authenticity.

  • Focused on Agiorgitiko, the emblematic grape of Nemea, crafted in diverse and expressive styles.

  • Minimal intervention philosophy, ensuring natural expression of fruit and terroir.

  • Family-run estate, emphasizing quality over volume and personal involvement in every stage.

  • Elegant, balanced wines that highlight the cool climate and limestone minerality of the northern Nemea plateau.

  • Modern precision with traditional soul, bridging Nemea’s heritage and contemporary winemaking excellence.