Kamara Shadow Play Red 2021

Shadow Play Red comes from Kamara, the natural-wine estate Dimitrios Kioutsoukis planted in the early 2000s near Thessaloniki, farmed organically and made with native yeasts and no added sulphites in the vineyard. It is built around Xinomavro, northern Greece's noble black grape, often compared to Nebbiolo for its high acidity, firm tannin and savoury, pale-fruited profile. The vines grow in a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by altitude and continental influence, on soils that give the variety its structure and length. The wine is aged for twelve months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange softens the assertive tannins and develops a leathery, earthy complexity over the red fruit. Low intervention in the cellar keeps the focus on grape and place. The colour is medium ruby, fading at the rim. The nose is savoury, with red berry and plum alongside tomato, black olive, dried herb and earth. The palate is high in acidity, structured and dry, with firm grippy tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting to soften the grip. It suits roast lamb and tomato-rich dishes.