Apostolos Thymiopoulos is the undisputed master of Xinomavro. He makes at least ten different expressions of this great Greek grape, mostly from a range of sites around the town of Naoussa, its home. At the pinnacle of the range sit three single vineyard Naoussas: Aftorizo, Kayafas and Vrana Petra, each made from a particularly special vineyard. These are among the finest wines in Greece, and comparisons with the very best Barolo are wholly justified.
Vrana Petra comes from a tiny, amphitheatre-shaped vineyard that sits 200m above sea level on the edge of Trilofos, where it is cooled by the air coming down Mount Vermio. The vines are around 25 years old, farming is organic with some biodynamic principles incorporated. The winemaking is kept simple. Half the grapes are destemmed, fermentation is with wild yeasts and the wine is matured for a year in 500l French oak before bottling. The special quality of the vineyard shines through in the finished wine. Taut, graceful and very fine, this is a world-class Xinomavro, capable of improving over at least 15 years in the cellar.
Type | Red |
---|---|
Country | Greece |
Region | Macedonia |
Producer | Thymiopoulos |
Vintage | 2018 |
Grape Varieties | Xinomavro |
Farming | Organic, Biodynamic |
ABV | 14.0% |
Bottle Size | 75 cL |
Apostolos Thymiopoulos is Greece's best red winemaker - a master of the Xinomavro grape variety in all its styles (many of which he pioneered). The core of the range is a series of Xinomavros from Naoussa, each of which offers a unique take on this world-class grape variety. The entry-level Jeunes Vignes is one of the best value wines to be found anywhere - a joyful, juicy red designed for early drinking. Earth & Sky, from older vines, is the flagship - the wine that more than any other has cemented Thymiopoulos' (and Xinomavro's) reputation for excellence around the world. At the top of the tree are three single site Naoussas from old vines - Kayafas, Aftorizo and Vrana Petra. These are outstanding by any measure, and comparisons with top Barolo are fully justified. The rest of the range continues to grow - his Rapsani from the foothills of Mount Olympus is superb, and his ageworthy Rosé de Xinomavro is one of the most complex and compelling rosés you will ever taste. Across all the wines, his signature style of silky, elegant tannins and beautiful balance shine through.
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