Winemaker Notes
This 75+-year-old "Old Roots" Xinomavro takes you on a journey with every sip. The aromas are a beautiful mix of red fruits such as wild tart cherry, wild strawberry, and ripe red current. It's a full-bodied wine with ripe fruit, firm tannins, and balanced acidity.
It's fresh and a little rustic all at once. It's the perfect wine for grilled meats and veggies or a slow-cooked, hearty stew. If you are a fan of Nebbiolo, give this Xinomavro a try.
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.
As one of the few continental-climate, mountainous growing areas of Greece, Macedonia produces notable, high-quality red wines. Xinomavro is its star variety, capable of making a spicy and age-worthy red.