Milia Riza: Greece's Sparkling Wine Specialist

Milia Riza is Greece's first and only winery dedicated exclusively to high-quality sparkling wine, based in the Nemea PDO. The estate is showing a very different side of a region best known for its red wines, producing elegant sparkling wines that combine freshness, precision and complexity.

Founded by winemakers Nancy Mazou and Stefano Stante, Milia Riza works with organically farmed vineyards and uses extended lees ageing to build depth and texture in its wines.

Sparkling wine from Nemea

When you think of Nemea, Agiorgitiko is probably the first grape that comes to mind. The region is one of Greece's most important red wine areas, but Milia Riza is demonstrating that Nemea can also produce exceptional sparkling wines.

The winery works with Agiorgitiko, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, creating both Blanc de Noirs and Rosé sparkling wines.

The result is a fascinating combination of Greek grapes and traditional sparkling wine techniques, with the character of Nemea at the heart of the wines.

From France, Italy and Portugal to Nemea

Nancy and Stefano bring winemaking experience from France, Italy and Portugal to their work in Nemea.

That international experience is evident in the precision of the wines, but Milia Riza isn't trying to recreate Champagne or another established sparkling wine region. Instead, the focus is on understanding what Nemea and its grapes can contribute to sparkling wine.

Extended lees ageing adds complexity and texture, while careful winemaking preserves the freshness and energy that make sparkling wine so appealing.

Agiorgitiko beyond red wine

One of the most exciting things about Milia Riza is seeing Agiorgitiko used for sparkling wine.

This is the signature red grape of Nemea, traditionally associated with still red wines ranging from fresh and fruity examples to more structured, age-worthy expressions.

Milia Riza takes the grape in a completely different direction.

Its Azzardà Blanc de Noir is made from Agiorgitiko and produced using the traditional method, demonstrating just how versatile this indigenous Greek variety can be. Expect freshness, fine bubbles and texture, with the extended lees ageing bringing additional complexity.

It's one of those wines that challenges the assumption that Greek sparkling wine has to be made from international varieties.

A Greek sparkling Rosé

Milia Riza also produces a beautifully expressive sparkling Rosé.

The Azzardà Rosé combines the character of Greek grapes with the freshness and elegance you'd expect from a carefully made traditional-method sparkling wine.

It's a style I particularly love because it works brilliantly both as an aperitif and alongside food. Think Greek mezze, seafood, fried appetisers, salty cheeses and lighter summer dishes - or simply a glass on its own.

Why Milia Riza?

What makes Milia Riza particularly exciting to me is its combination of place, grape and technique.

Nemea already has a strong identity in Greek wine, but Milia Riza is helping to expand our understanding of what the region can produce. Instead of relying solely on internationally familiar varieties, the winery puts Agiorgitiko at the centre of its sparkling wines, showing that an indigenous Greek grape can produce wines of precision, elegance and complexity in a completely different style.

It's exactly the kind of producer I want to bring to the UK through Pale Ruby Wine - small-scale, distinctive and doing something genuinely different.

Discover Milia Riza

I’m proud to import Milia Riza to the UK, giving UK wine drinkers the opportunity to discover one of Greece's most exciting sparkling wine specialists.

Explore the Milia Riza collection to discover the wines, including:

• Azzardà Blanc de Noir - a traditional-method sparkling wine showcasing Agiorgitiko in an entirely different light.

• Azzardà Rosé - an elegant Greek sparkling Rosé with freshness, texture and character.

  
  

If you're interested in discovering more of what Nemea has to offer, explore my Greek wine collection or discover other indigenous varieties through the Greek Wine Discovery Case.

Greek sparkling wine is still a relatively undiscovered category. Milia Riza is one of the producers changing that.

Shop Milia Riza wines