Thymiopoulos Naoussa Alta 2024

Apostolos Thymiopoulos took over his family winery in Naoussa and built his reputation on Xinomavro, the leading red grape of Macedonia in northern Greece. Naoussa Alta is sourced from the estate's highest vineyards, farmed biodynamically with minimal intervention. Altitude is central here. The cooler air and strong diurnal shift slow ripening and preserve acidity, which Xinomavro carries in abundance, while the long hang time develops the variety's savoury complexity. Often compared to Nebbiolo, Xinomavro is pale in colour but high in both tannin and acid, giving wines that are structured and long lived. Vinified for freshness and lift, this is the more immediate, juicy expression of the grape. The colour is a bright, light ruby. The nose shows ripe red cherry and strawberry, tomato leaf and black olive, dried herbs and a floral, rose-petal lift. The palate is fresh and savoury, with red fruit cut by bright acidity and a fine, slightly grippy tannin running through the finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It works with roast duck, lamb chops and mushroom dishes, and the acidity makes it a natural with tomato-based cooking.