Domaine Skouras: Window onto Nemea

When your Nemea wine country day takes you to Domaine Skouras you know are in for a very special treat. George Skouras, owner and winemaker, is one of the true pioneers of the modern Greek wine renaissance. He now has decades of vintages under his belt. George is one of the statesmen of the Greek wine world, having served as President of the Greek Wine Federation for a number of times. Our #winelover community was happy to return to Greece last June for our 10th #Winelover Anniversary Celebrations. In 2016 we celebrated our #Winelover Anniversary in Greece, and hence to return for the 10th anniversary for me was a must. Needless to say, I was delighted to discover that our Nemea wine country day included Domaine Skouras. 

Window onto Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

Skouras studied Oenology in Dijon, France. After working at wineries in France, Italy and Greece he established Domaine Skouras in 1986. In 2004 Domaine Skouras established a state-of-the-art winery in Malandreni, within the Nemea PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). The Skouras winery sets a high benchmark for Nemea wines.

Domaine Skouras: Window onto Nemea

Domaine Skouras is located in one of the most highly respected PDOs in Southern Greece, producing some of the most diverse and complex wines. Nemea PDO, in the northeastern corner of the Peloponnese peninsula, is a sub-region within the Peloponnese wine region, the largest vineyard area in Greece, representing around 31% of wine production (home to 24 PGIs and 10 PDOs).  The Nemea PDO is well known for its Agiorgitiko and Moscofilero wines. The region is also known of its Roditis, Moschato, Mavrodaphne and Korinthiaki wines. Skouras has played a major role in putting Nemea on the world wine map.

#Winelovers Arriving at Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

Winelovers Visit Domaine Skouras

Domaine Skouras winery is well setup for wine tourism, with a tasting room, bistro, and other inviting features. 

Bistro, Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

Domaine Skouras Bistro © Spaswinefood

Ready for Wine Tasting, Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

The winery is very inviting, with great views in all directions.

View onto Patio from Domaine Skouras Bistro © Spaswinefood

From from the Table, Domaine Skouras Bistro © Spaswinefood

Shortly after arriving at the winery we ate lunch, which included delicious local Greek dishes. During lunch we were introduced to Skouras wines.

Lunch, Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

Lunch began with two wines, a white and a red.

Time for Wine, Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

The wine list follows:

1. Domaine Skouras, Armyra PGI Peloponnese (95% Chardonnay 5% Malagousia)

2. Domaine Skouras, Portes (Merlot)

Ready for Wine, Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

Vegetarians will not be disappointed by the delicious local Greek dishes served here.

Dining Vegetarian, Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

The next wines poured were:

3. Domaine Skouras, Viognier Eclectique PGI Argolida (100% Viognier)

4. Domaine Skouras, Salto PGI Peloponnese (100% Moscofilero)

5. Domaine Skouras, Peplo (rosé made with Agiorgitiko, Syrah, Mavrofilero)

6. Domaine Skouras, Grande Cuvée Nemea (100% Agiorgitiko)

7. Domaine Skouras, Megas Oenos PGI Peloponnese 2018 (Agiorgitiko & Cabernet Sauvignon)

This wine is considered synonymous with George Skouras. He was the first to blend Agiorgitiko and Cabernet Sauvignon. For sure during my recent visit the Megas Oenos PGI Peloponnese 2018 was a big hit with me. I still remember the Domaine Skouras, Megas Oenos PGI Peloponnese 2010 that I tasted in 2016.

Domaine Skouras, Megas Oenos PGI Peloponnese 2010 (80% Agiorgitiko 20% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Domaine Skouras, Megas Oenos PGI Peloponnese 2010 © Spaswinefood

In conclusion, the following Domaine Skouras wines were introduced during lunch:

Domaine Skouras Wines, 2022  © Spaswinefood

The wine tasting in 2016 included the following wines:

Domaine Skouras, 2016 © Spaswinefood

For me getting to know the local grape varieties (Moscofilero and Agiorgitiko) is an absolute highlight of both visits, with Domaine Skouras flagship wine Megas Oenos being my favorite.

Domaine Skouras Wine Display 2022 © Spaswinefood

#Winelovers Checking Out Wines, 2016 © Spaswinefood

During lunch I not only enjoyed the views of the vineyard and the nearby mountains but, also conversations with fellow #winelovers.

Window onto Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

Domaine Skouras Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Of course let me not forget the wine dogs. There one in particular who patiently watched.

Winery Doggie, Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

 

Yes, it was a most delightful wine tasting and lunch at Domaine Skouras. After lunch we toured Domaine Skouras's amazing wine cellar. 

Domaine Skouras: Peloponnese Wine Country

The Skouras family, now into its second generation, always makes a point to greet visitors to the winery. During our visit we were greeted by George's son, a winemaker, who studied in France, and worked and gained experience in different wine regions in the USA and Europe. His daughter studied economics in Greece, and did a Masters Degree in Marketing in Scotland. This family winery know how to treat guests!

 

Welcome to Domaine Skouras © Spaswinefood

Over the years, Domaine Skouras has created an innovative and a well regarded wine-producing presence on the world stage. During our 2016 #winelover visit we met up with the charismatic George Skouras, who greeted us when we arrived. He introduced us to Nemea region grape varieties, such as Moscofilero (white) and Agiorgitiko (red) grape varieties (checkout this video of him discussing Agiorgitiko). 

George Skouras Welcomes #Winelovers to Domaine Skouras in 2016 © Spaswinefood

While George is best known for his renditions of Moscofilero and Aghiorgitiko, two of Greece’s highest-regarded indigenous whites and reds, he has also made a name for himself with international blends (most famously the Aghiorgitiko-Cabernet Megas Oenos), and some wines from high-altitude vineyards (some above 1,000 meters).

Peloponnese wine country makes a perfect a vine filled escape. Near Domaine Skouras there are other wineries to visit. You will find nearby the Archaeological Museum of Nemea, the ancient Temple of Zeus, Mycenae, Tiryns, Heraion, ancient Agors of Argos and Asclepion of Epidaurus. You will also find in Nafplion attractions, such as Bourtzi, Akronafphlia, Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation and Archaeological Museum. Our #winelover celebrations in 2016 included a wine country outing to the Peloponnese world of vineyards and ancient monuments. 

Visitors to the area may want to tour the archaeological site of Mycenae. Mycenae is 90 km. southeast of Athens in Peloponnese.

#Winelovers Checkout Mycenae, 2016 © Spaswinefood

It was indeed a delightful vine-filled escape to Peloponnese wine country. Visitors to Athens should know that they are not far from Peloponnese. Peloponnese wine country, just 90 minutes drive from Athens, is a must for #winelovers.  The Peloponnese Peninsula, the southernmost part of continental Greece, is a landscape dominated by mountains, plateaus and valleys.  It is home to the largest wine region in Greece where you will find a wide range of Greek and international grape varieties. Just take the highway out of Athens that takes you over the Corinth Canal. Yes, you too can discover that special #winelover magic in Greece. 

Domaine Skouras is a Window onto the Nemea World of Wine.  Skouras wines are available in the US. Now is the time to explore Greek Wines! I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Greece at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Twitter and Facebook. 

Yamas!

Sharon

June 2022

Athens, Greece

© Spaswinefood

The Skouras Experience, 2022 © Spaswinefood

Spaswinefood, Domaine Skouras, 2022 © Spaswinefood

Domaine Skouras Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Domaine Skouras, Nemea Wine Country © Spaswinefood

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