We’re all more than familiar with Thymiopoulos’ Jeunes Vignes Xinomavro cuvée from Naoussa. A fairly light, fruit forward smooth bottle to glug on the terrace. This Naoussa from Dalamara, however, is a much more typical expression of both the grape and the region.
Naoussa is in the North of Greece, in the province of Macedonia, a mountainous region far from the coast. It’s hot, and there is a lot of sun, but there is also a lot of wind and cool evenings due to the 350m elevation. Perfect for grape ripening. Xinomavro grown in Naoussa is known for its savoury, slightly smoky aromatic profile, acidity, and big Nebbiolish tannin. Dalamara does not disappoint.
The nose is complex. Very ripe, stewed raspberries at first, followed by herbs and spices: oregano, marjoram, and stewed tomato (yes, really… ketchup chips but don’t tell that to clients). The palate is lean, focused, and with very dry tannins to cut through the rich ripe fruit we saw on the nose.
Région: Naoussa
Grapes: Xinomavro
Vinification: Natural fermentation into old oak.
Tasting: Ripe or stewed red fruit, herbs and spices, charcoal, tomato leaf, lean palate with firm tannins.
Damas Wine 