Greek Grapes
Xinomavro
Xinomavro wines are often compared to Nebbiolo from Italy.
Xinomavro Flavors
Xinomavro displays a fruity and juicy nose with Dark Berries, Wild Berries, Forest Floor, Herbs and Dried Fruit.
 Olive |
 Cherry |
 Wild Cherry |
 Cranberry |
 Herbs |
 Flowers |
 Tomato |
 Prunes |
About Xinomavro
Xinomavro is the Greece's most planted red grape, planted everywhere in central and northern Greece.
The name is a conjunction of the Greek words for acid (xino) and black (mavro).
In Macedonia, it is the main grape in the red wines of PDO Naoussa, PDO Amynteo, PDO Goumenissa.
In Thessaly it is the main grape in PDO Rapsani.
Central Macedonia
Macedonia Wines
Macedonia, located in the north of Greece, is famous for its red wines made exclusively from the Xinomavro grape.
These wines are often compared to Nebbiolo from Italy, displaying bold tannins, high acidity, and flavors of dark fruits, tomatoes, and spices.
Naoussa PDO and Amynteo PDO in Macedonia, and Rapsani PDO in Thessaly, are considered the top expressions of the Xinomavro grape in Greece.
Black Grapes |
White Grapes |
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Soil |
Climate |
Heavy textured soils. |
Mediterranean |
PDO Regions
Central Macedonia has 4 PDO regions:
PDO Naoussa (1971)
PDO Amynteo (1972)
PDO Goumenissa (1979)
PDO Slopes of Meliton (1982)
PDO Naoussa (ΠΟΠ Νάουσα)
Naoussa is Greece's most important Xinomavro region.
It is known for producing robust, age-worthy red wines with notes of red fruit, earth, and sometimes hints of olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
PDO Requirements:
Dry Red:
100% Xinomavro
Semi-Dry Red:
100% Xinomavro
Semi-Sweet Red:
100% Xinomavro
PDO Amynteo (ΠΟΠ Αμύνταιο)
Amynteo is also one of the great Xinomavro terroirs.
Located near Naoussa but at a higher altitude, Amynteo is known for its Xinomavro wines, including both reds and sparkling rosés. The cool climate brings a more delicate expression of Xinomavro, often with a red berry profile, and the sparkling wines from the area have gained attention for their finesse and unique character.
PDO Requirements:
Dry Red:
100% Xinomavro
Dry Rosé:
100% Xinomavro
Sparkling Dry:
100% Xinomavro
Sparkling Semi-Dry Rosé:
100% Xinomavro
PDO Goumenissa (ΠΟΠ Γουμένισσα)
The addition of the Negoska grape makes Goumenissa wines softer and intensifies the color and the alcohol content.
PDO requirements:
Dry Red:
Max 80% Xinomavro
Min 20% Negoska
PDO Slopes of Meliton (ΠΟΠ Πλαγιές Μελίτωνα)
PDO requirements:
Dry White:
50% Athiri
35% Roditis
15% Assyrtiko
Dry Red:
70% Limnio
30% Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc
Drama and Kavala
Drama and Kavala have no PDO regions, but they are still considered two of the most significant viticultural regions of Greece. Pioneering producers in this area have created some of the most special and interesting Greek wines.
Dramas is known for elegant and aromatic white wines made from Assyrtiko grapes.
Kavala is known for award winning wines based on Assyrtiko and Semillon, on par with best white Bordeaux.