Domaine Karydas Xinomavro 2014 Front Bottle Shot
Domaine Karydas Xinomavro 2014 Front Bottle Shot Domaine Karydas Xinomavro 2014 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Over 20 years ago Konstantinos Karydas established Karydas Estate in Ano Gastra, one of the most well-known grape-growing regions of Naoussa. His immaculately kept six acres of Xinomavro vines (30-35 year old vines) are planted on the hill of Gastra in sandy, clay and limestone soils, noted for their good drainage. In 1994, he built his winery in the middle of the vineyard and, shortly thereafter, his son Petros joined him to produce his first vintage under his own label. This small estate makes only 1200cs of wine per vintage from 100% Xinomavro and captures the true essence of the variety and the soil. Domaine Karydas is a great example of tradition meeting the modern day pursuit of excellence. The wines spend 20 months in French oak barrels, and 3 months in bottle prior to release.
Domaine Karydas

Domaine Karydas

View all products
Image for Xinomavro content section
View all products

Native to Greece, Xinomavro is widely regarded the finest red wine of the country. Its name literally means “acid black”, and attains fullest potential in the country’s northwest region of Naoussa. These single varietal bottlings of Xinomavro (blending is not allowed here) are often compared to the fine Barolos of Italy for their structure, finesse and age-worthiness. While its vines are fickle and blue-black grapes grow in tight clusters, similar to Nebbiolo, Xinomavro actually appears unrelated. Somm Secret—The use of French oak can help tame Xinomavro but too much can overwhelm it. Some eschew oak entirely during winemaking; other producers use locally-grown walnut.

Image for Naoussa Greece content section

Naoussa

Greece

View all products

Naoussa is home to one of Greece’s most age-worthy reds: Xinomavro. Flourishing on the sun-exposed, southeastern-facing slopes of Mount Vermio between 700 to 1,700 feet in elevation, some say Xinomavro is Greece's red counterpart to its famous white, Assyrtiko. Others liken it to Italy's well-respected, highly perfumed and powerful, Nebbiolo.

DMDKR14_2014 Item# 431003