Region · Macedonia, Greece
Naoussa
NOW-sah
Xinomavro's home
Northern Greece's great red appellation. High acid, high tannin, tomato and olive — a cellar wine that sommeliers compare to Barolo and then drink as itself.
- tomato leaf
- olive
- rose
- spice
- sour cherry
Naoussa is Xinomavro, period. Amyndeo, further west and higher, is the cooler, often earlier-drinking cousin. Young bottles need air and lamb. Old bottles are a Greek secret that should not be.
If you like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, start here.
Lamb, moussaka, and grilled eggplant.
At the table
Service
61–64 °F (16–18 °C). Decant young wines.
