Dalamára Naoussa 2023

Dalamára is a family estate in Naoussa, northern Greece, farming organically at the foot of Mount Vermion. This is their village Naoussa, made from Xinomavro, the region's high-acid, firmly tannic grape often compared to Nebbiolo. The vineyards sit on poor hillside soils with altitude and a continental climate softened by mountain air, so the fruit ripens slowly and the wine keeps its freshness and grip. Xinomavro shows a pale colour that hides real structure, and seventeen months in barrel rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange while adding a restrained spice frame. The colour is a delicate garnet. The nose is savoury and lifted, with red cherry, wild strawberry, dried herbs, rose, black olive and a sun-dried tomato character typical of the grape. The palate is medium bodied, firmly tannic and bright, with red fruit and a long, earthy finish. It drinks well now with food and will develop further with a few years in bottle. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted ahead, in a large glass. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and tomato dishes.