Xinomavro

XINOMAVRO (Ksee-No-MAH-Vrow) is considered the “king” of red Greek varieties. Notoriously hard to farm and vinify, it is also called a “diva.” Its name is a combination of the words “xino” (“sour” or “acid”) and “mavro” (“black”), which gives a hint to its untamed and tannic character. Indigenous to western Macedonia and the towns of Amyndeo and Naoussa, Xinomavro prefers humidity and bears low yields. It expresses itself through notes of mushroom, canned tomatoes, gooseberries, dark fruit, and olives. The palate is usually structured with unforgiving tannins, framing a medium body. The colour tends to be brick red and deteriorates rather quickly.