2021 XINOMAVRO, Thymiopoulos. Macedonia, Greece

Naoussa is in northern Greece, west of Thessaloniki.

From their website of their UK agent: “The Thymiopoulos family have been growing grapes in the Naoussa region of Greek Macedonia for generations, but it was Apostolos’ father Sergios who began growing them commercially to sell to local wineries. Whilst his father made a concerted effort to focus on improving quality, it was Apostolos himself who seized the opportunity to begin making wines under the family name. Having studied oenology in Athens he returned home and in 2003 he commenced production, with his first vintage released in 2005. Over time Apostolos has increased the family vineyard holdings, whilst still maintaining the same low-intervention approach to viticulture of the previous generations.”

Xinomavro is a fascinating grape variety. Nebbiolo-like in its perfume and tannic structure, but a little lighter and less intense. This is the essence of what we mean by “savoury” in a red wine.