Domaine Karanika Brut Cuvee Speciale Xinomavro, 2017
£33.44
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Domaine Karanika Brut Cuvee Speciale Xinomavro, 2017
£33.44
Description
A traditional-method sparkling wine made entirely from Xinomavro, vinified as a blanc de noirs to draw out the grape's structure and acidity in fine, persistent bubbles rather than the tannic grip of a still red — one of the more unusual expressions of Amyndeon's old, ungrafted Xinomavro vines.
At a glance
Grape
Xinomavro
Region
Northern Greece
Grape
Xinomavro
Xinomavro is a thin-skinned grape variety widely planted in northern Greece. The variety is highly regarded in its native Greece as the finest red wine the country has to offer. With its characteristically high tannin and acidity, Xinomavro is structurally one of the biggest red wines in the Mediterranean and indeed Europe.
The word Xynomavro itself is a conjunction of the Greek words for acid and black, though this is often translated as black and sour. This gives some indication as to the flavour and structure of the wines made from the variety, which in youth remain true to their name, although Xynomavro wines can age gracefully for many years. Classic flavour characteristics include prune, strawberry and sun-dried tomato.
The grapes themselves are blue-black and grow in tight clusters. The size of berries varies within the different clones of Xinomavro, but all vines are late ripening and of fickle nature. Vintage variation is a significant factor to consider with regard to purchasing decisions since the weather can play a large role in Xynomavro's quality.
The word Xynomavro itself is a conjunction of the Greek words for acid and black, though this is often translated as black and sour. This gives some indication as to the flavour and structure of the wines made from the variety, which in youth remain true to their name, although Xynomavro wines can age gracefully for many years. Classic flavour characteristics include prune, strawberry and sun-dried tomato.
The grapes themselves are blue-black and grow in tight clusters. The size of berries varies within the different clones of Xinomavro, but all vines are late ripening and of fickle nature. Vintage variation is a significant factor to consider with regard to purchasing decisions since the weather can play a large role in Xynomavro's quality.
Producer
Domaine Karanika aims to produce the finest quality sparkling and still wines in total harmony with nature without any concession to the health of people and the earth. Their organic/ biodynamic vineyards at the Amyndeo plateau in the far North-west of Greece include old to very old ungrafted Xinomavro vines, the younger Assyrtiko and the almost forgotten Limniona.