Xinomavro (Naoustiano Black, Naoussa Black, Xinogaltso)
Xinomavro is a red variety much admired for its powerful character and its ability to offer a wide range of wines, such as unique Reds, Rosé, Sparkling, Sweet and even Blanc de Noir wines. Xinomavro is mainly grown in Naoussa, Goumenissa, Amynteo, Rapsani, Siatista, Trikomo and Velvendos. Also, it is found occasionally in Mount Athos, Ioannina, Magnesia, Kastoria and Trikala while the total area under cultivation is more than 5,000 acres. Xinomavro is used in the wines PDO Naoussa, PDO Amynteo, PDO Goumenissa, PDO Rapsani, and in certain PGI wines.
XINOMAVRO: An Admired Variety
Xinomavro (Naoustiano Black, Naoussa Black, Xinogaltso)
Xinomavro is a red variety much admired for its powerful character and its ability to offer a wide range of wines, such as unique Reds, Rosé, Sparkling, Sweet and even Blanc de Noir wines. Xinomavro is mainly grown in Naoussa, Goumenissa, Amynteo, Rapsani, Siatista, Trikomo and Velvendos. Also, it is found occasionally in Mount Athos, Ioannina, Magnesia, Kastoria and Trikala while the total area under cultivation is more than 5,000 acres. Xinomavro is used in the wines PDO Naoussa, PDO Amynteo, PDO Goumenissa, PDO Rapsani, and in certain PGI wines.
The Reds from Xinomavro are full bodied wines with astringent tannins, lively acidity and aromatic richness. Mainly, are characterized by aromas of red fruits, figs and tomatoes, to which cinnamon, vanilla, wood and spices are added when Xinomavro is aged. Xinomavro Reds are offered for long term cellaring, beyond the cellaring their producers have already offered!
Let’s take a look at the characteristics of the vineyards that are traditionally the location Xinomavro is grown.
The Vineyards of Goumenissa
The vineyards of Goumenissa are located northwest of Thessaloniki in slightly hilly areas at an altitude ranging from 150 to 450 meters, slightly sloping and with medium in fertility soils. The dominant variety in the region is Xinomavro, but also some international and the local red variety Negoska, are present there. The vineyards are basically trained in two-sided linear forms with sparse planting, reaching approximately 1400 vines per acre.
The Vineyards of Naoussa
The vineyards of Naoussa are covering the foothills and eastern slopes of Mt.Vermio, at an altitude of 100m. up to 400m., with soils varying in texture and morphology. The total area is about 1500 to 1600 acres, in which the cultivated variety Xinomavro, planted mostly in linear forms. In the area of Naoussa, Xinomavro matures late, after September20th, making it vulnerable to early low temperatures and heavy rainfall. A significant factor that affects the quality of Xinomavro grapes within the region, is the topography and diversity of the soil of where it’s grown.
The Vineyards of Amynteo
The vineyards of Amynteo are located northwest of Naoussa, between the mountains Vermio and Voras, and surrounded by four lakes, the largest being Vegoritis. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 500 to 700m., are linear and usually non-irrigated, and dominated by the cultivation of Xinomavro. The climate is very mild, with less rainfall and more sunshine than neighboring Naoussa. The lands around the lakes are generally sandy, hot and low in fertility, so that we have a different expression of Xinomavro than that of Naoussa.
The Vineyards of Rapsani
The vineyards of Rapsani are located on the hilly and mountainous eastern slopes of Mount Olympus and, extending from an altitude of 150 to 750m. These vineyards are the smallest region growing the Xinomavro variety, through only 380 acres, on which the local varieties Krassato and Stavroto are also grown. The better quality grapes are coming from the mountain vineyards, which are trained in goblets.
