Xinomavro – A High-Maintenance Grape With a Big Personality

Xinomavro is a Greek grape variety that is widely considered to be one of the country’s best. The grape is known for its high acidity and tannin levels, which make it a challenging grape to work with in the vineyard and winery. However, these attributes also give Xinomavro wines their distinctive character and aging potential. Xinomavro is primarily grown in the northern regions of Greece, particularly in Naoussa, Amynteo, and Goumenissa. Xinomavro grapes are typically harvested in mid to late October, and the resulting wines are known for their deep color, high tannins, and complex flavor profiles. The wine is often described as having aromas of dark

fruit, spice, and tobacco, with a long, dry finish. The tannins in Xinomavro wines can be quite aggressive when the wine is young, but with time in the bottle, they soften and become more integrated, leading to a smoother, more elegant wine. In the vineyard, Xinomavro can be challenging to grow due to its high acidity levels and susceptibility to disease. The grape requires a long growing season, warm temperatures during the day, and cool nights to achieve optimal ripeness. It is often grown on steep slopes, where the soil is well-draining and the vines receive plenty of sunlight. In the winery, Xinomavro is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to balance out its high acidity and tannin levels. Naoussa, one of the primary growing regions for Xinomavro, is located in the northern part of Greece, and it is known for producing some of the country’s best red wines. The area has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the ancient Greeks, and the region’s unique terroir, which includes a mix of sandy and clay soils, along with cool mountain air, is said to give the wines their distinctive character. Xinomavro wines have a special place in the Greek wine industry and are often considered one of the country’s flagship wines. The grape’s high acidity and tannin levels, along with its complex flavor profile, make it an ideal candidate for aging. The wines can be aged for several years in the bottle, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavors to develop further. In recent years, Xinomavro wines have gained popularity outside of Greece, and they are now considered a rising star in the global wine market. The wines are still relatively unknown compared to other grape varieties, but they have been gaining attention from wine critics and enthusiasts alike. Many winemakers in Greece are now working with the grape, experimenting with different winemaking techniques and aging methods, to showcase its full potential. In conclusion, Xinomavro is a red wine grape variety that is indigenous to Greece and is known for its high acidity and tannin levels. The grape produces wines that are complex in flavor, with aromas of dark fruit, spice, and tobacco, and a long, dry finish. While the grape can be challenging to grow and work with in the vineyard and winery, the resulting wines are well worth the effort. Xinomavro has a special place in the Greek wine industry and is considered one of the country’s best grape varieties. It is a rising star in the global wine market, and we can expect to see more of it in the future.