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

Thymiopoulos

Thymiopoulos Winery, spearheaded by the undoubtedly rising star of Naoussa, Apostolos Thymiopoulos, is redefining Xinomavro. Over the past decade, Thymiopoulos has collaborated with local growers to forge a modern expression of this esteemed variety. His deep understanding of natural winemaking principles shines through in wines that consistently deliver clean, fresh elegance and vibrant fruit purity – a truly delicious testament to his vision. Situated at 180m in Naoussa's southern reaches, his biodynamically farmed vines benefit from ample sunshine, drawing character from the appellation's most complex soils, rich in limestone marlstone, schist, and granite