Xinomavro is the noblest red grape variety of northern Greece.

A quite robust and productive variety forming average-sized bunches of conical, or even aliform, shape. The bunch is dense and the grapes are of average size, spherical, with a thick blue-black skin but colorless juice. In cooler (mountainous) areas like Amyndeon, where there is a small yield per vine, Xinomavro is capable of offering rich red wines, full, high in alcohol content, with good color, and enough tannins to assist in a lengthy aging.

Profile of the variety

Looking at the color one can ascertain that the red wines made from Xinomavro have a pleasant ruby and somewhat purplish color. The younger wines have iodine tinges and are primarily plum-colored, shifting towards a brick-red color as they age. They offer a complex nose, dominated by spices, red fruits and tomato in various forms; ketchup, sweet tomato, fresh tomato- especially present in younger wines. The aged wines acquire more hints of spice as well as animal (leather) aromas. In the mouth Xinomavro can offer wines with medium to full body. Their acidity, combined with the strong tannins, shows that these wines often necessitate aging before consumption. Wines made from Xinomavro are smoothed by aging, while remaining robust.

Xinomavro in the Press

From Decanter february 2005 issue: Andrew Jefford writes: I can think of no grape anywhere in the world (though Carignan and Nebbiolo come close) which produces good and sometimes profound wines of such striking unmodernity. Like conversations in a Henry James novel, they hesitate, they suggest, they prefigure and insinuate, but never insist. There is an outline of fruited warmth in the aroma, there is an undertow of fruited strength in the flavour. Definitely a delicious astringency, but also a delicate astringency, just enough to clean the palate and hurry the food along. Naturally articulated, at all times; bitter-edged, like life. Europe in a glass. Homer's wine.

 

From Decanter september 2004 issue: Xinomavro the distinctive red grape of northern Greece, typically shows flavours of red fruit, black olive and tomato, and is likened to Nebbiolo by many. 'Xinomavro has the most fantastic nose', says Mary Pateras from Eclectic Wines (UK) 'and is funky, new and interesting. I think in time it will become a top-class grape'. Nico Manessis 'It's certainly the most interesting red grape in Greece, and has standout personality', it reminds me of the Piedmontese Nebiolo's from the 1970's'.

From the World Atlas of Wine (Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson): Northern Greece is the area with perhaps the most unrealised potential. This is red wine country, dominated by one variety: Xinomavro, whose wines are some of the most impressive of Greece. With age the best-made wines can acquire a bouquet as haunting as all but the finest Barolo, although many wineries here in the north are still poorly equipped. Amyndeo is so cool that it can produce aromatic whites, a denominated rose and fine sparkling wine.