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.

Producer

Dalamara

Since 1840 the Dalamara family have been making wine and distilling spirits in Naoussa. Sixth-generation Kostis Dalamaras took over the vineyard and winery fully in 2009 and produced his first single-vineyard organic wine, Paliokalias 2009, now a historic wine. The 6-hectare large vineyard is farmed organically, planted mostly with Xinomavro at about 240-300m elevation and facing South, on the foothills of Mount Vermio. The oldest vines have an age of 85 years. Summers in the area are warm and dry, with plenty of sunshine and winters, are mild with cold spells. The soil is porous rock (Travertina) and there is evidence of cold water streams running at its lower levels.