These are the top facts you should know about Xynomavro, arguably the best of all Greek red grape varieties.
Xynomavro is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety that is widely planted in Greece, especially the Northern part of the country and a little bit in the Macedonian Republic, the country bordering Greece to the North.
Xynomavro is arguably the most highly regarded red grape in Greece, being on of the grapes delivering some of biggest, fullest and most tannic reds there.
To give you an idea of what Xynomavro is, many have compared to Nebbiolo wine in Italy, so the wines come out somewhat like resembling Barolo or Barbresco wines.
Deep, dark, flavorsome, spicy and fruity, rich, yet fresh and acidic.
In fact the origin of the word Xynomavro itself is a conjunction of the Greek words for acid (xyno) and black (mavro), So Xynomavro is the deep acidic black grape essentially.
Episode #17 of Julien’s Wine School about Xynomavro in Video
So, what are the wines made from Xynomavro your should try?
Well, Naoussa is the main name here, that’s in the North of the country.
Naoussa and Nemea are arguably THE 2 best red wines coming out of Greece. Nemea being made from the other great red grape of Greece, Agiorgitiko.
So one of those 2 at least you should definitely look out for if you want to taste good Xynomavro and good Greek wine in general.
But Xynomavro is also widely planted across all Greece, but used as part of blend.
That’s the case in the Rapsani appellation on the foothills of Mount Olympus that blends it with other local grapes like Stavroto and Krassato.
Other PGI wines, more generic appellations, blend it with international French grapes like Syrah or Merlot to smoothen it up and round it.
Here’s what you had to know about Xynomavro in a few words.
Some of the Most Popular Greek Xinomavro Wines
Kir-Yianni Estate Ramnista, Naousa
Thymiopoulos Vineyards Young Vines Xinomavro, Naousa
Kir-Yianni Estate Akakies Sparkling Rose, Amyndaio
Alpha Estate Vieilles Vignes Single Block Reserve Xinomavro, Amyndaio
Boutari Grande Reserve, Naoussa
Boutari Naoussa, Macedonia
Dalamara Paliokalias Xinomavro
Thymiopoulos Vineyards Ghi kai Uranos Xinomavro
Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro
Tsantali ‘The Culture of’ Xinomavro
Ktima Foundi Red, Naousa
Kir-Yianni Estate Kali Riza Xinomavro Vieilles Vignes (old Vines), Amyndeon
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