Thymiopoulos Young Vines Xinomavro 2021

100% Xinomavro from vines between 10 and 18 years old- grown biodynamically and certified organically. The grapes are hand picked and about 75% are destemmed before fermentation in stainless steel. Aging takes place for 8 months in concrete tanks. This wine is reminiscent of a cross between Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo, made by the master of Xinomavro and superstar of Greek wine, Apostolos Thymiopoulos. Mike LOVES this wine! Bright, pure and elegant red with a wonderful perfume of red fruits and a twist of fresh mint. Wonderfully friendly yet deceptively complex! 

Native to Greece, Xinomavro is widely regarded the finest red wine of the country. Its name literally means “acid black”, and attains fullest potential in the country’s northwest region of Naoussa. These single varietal bottlings of Xinomavro (blending is not allowed here) are often compared to the fine Barolos of Italy for their structure, finesse and age-worthiness. While its vines are fickle and blue-black grapes grow in tight clusters, similar to Nebbiolo, Xinomavro actually appears unrelated. Somm Secret—The use of French oak can help tame Xinomavro but too much can overwhelm it. Some eschew oak entirely during winemaking; other producers use locally-grown walnut.