Thymiopoulos, Xinomavro

The Thymiopoulos family have been growing grapes in the Naoussa region of Greek Macedonia for generations, but it was Apostolos’ father Sergios who began growing them commercially to sell to local wineries. Whilst his father made a concerted effort to focus on improving quality, it was Apostolos himself who seized the opportunity to begin making wines under the family name. Having studied oenology in Athens he returned home and in 2003 he commenced production, with his first vintage released in 2005. From an early stage, Apostolos focused on the local Xinomavro grape, a red variety that gives wines which are pale in colour, yet high in tannins, somewhat akin to Nebbiolo. Looking to take advantage of the old bush vines his family owned, he sought to produce high-quality modern examples of this indigenous variety.

Produced and bottled by Apostolos Thymiopoulos, this exclusive red wine is made from Xinomavro, a grape variety native to Naoussa which has come to be recognised as one of Greece’s most significant red varieties. Traditionally the wines are pale in colour, yet high in tannins, somewhat akin to Italy's Nebbiolo. Grapes for the wine come from fifteen to twenty-five-year-old vines planted on schist and limestone-clay soils in Naoussa. They were handpicked in late September and early October and underwent fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, with 25% whole bunches used, before being bottled unoaked.

Tasting Note:
Belying the pale colour, this wine packs in plenty of character, offering dark fruit, tobacco and black olive flavours alongside a bracing acidity and a bold tannic structure. Baby Barolo!