Grape · Macedonia, Greece
Xinomavro
ksee-NO-mav-ro
Greece's nebbiolo
Naoussa and Amyndeo's great red: high acid, high tannin, tomato leaf, olive, and rose. Pale in the glass, long in the cellar.
- tomato leaf
- olive
- rose
- sour cherry
- spice
Profile
Bodymedium
Acidhigh
Tanninhigh
Sugardry
Xinomavro means 'acid black,' which is a tasting note as much as a name. Young Naoussa is austere. Ten years on it is tar, flowers, and sun-dried tomato in the best way.
Amyndeo, cooler and higher, is often lighter and earlier. Sparkling and rosé Xinomavro exist and are excellent.
Lamb, moussaka, grilled eggplant, and aged cheese. Decant.
At the table
Service
61–64 °F (16–18 °C). Young bottles need air.
