The idea of this article came quite spontaneously. Two days ago I posted a photo on Instagram about wines from Naoussa, including Naoussa Xinomavro, which I tasted during my CMS exam in Greece. I was surprised that even wine connoisseurs don’t really know or haven’t tasted wines from this grape.
So I decided to look deeper and share key facts about Naoussa Xinomavro and the styles it produces.
Origin of Naoussa Xinomavro
Naoussa Xinomavro comes from Naoussa in northern Greece, the historical and qualitative reference point for the variety.
The Naoussa PDO requires 100% Xinomavro and defines the classic expression of the grape. The same single-varietal rule applies in Amynteo PDO, although the style there is often lighter, with both still and sparkling wines.
Other PDOs include blending rules:
- Goumenissa PDO requires at least 20% Negoska
- Rapsani PDO blends Xinomavro with Krassato and Stavroto
In PGI wines, Xinomavro is sometimes blended with Merlot or Syrah.
Style and flavour profile
If Xinomavro is the only grape in the wine, it will produce full-body with high acidity ( hence the name: Xinomavro = acid black) with high tannins which are going to give the wine excellent potencal for ageing. If you taste the wine young, you will find flavours of strawberry, plum and dry tannins, that with age will became softer and gets more complexity and elegance with more savoury aromas of tomato, olives and dried fruit.
Viticulture behind Naoussa Xinomavro
Xinomavro has thick skins and variable berry size depending on clone. In Naoussa, site selection plays a crucial role.
It is a mid-budding, late-ripening variety. It performs best on poorer soils and requires careful management. Vintage variation remains an important factor, especially for Naoussa Xinomavro, where structure must balance ripeness.
I think we can all see now why a lot of people try to find connection between Xinomavro, Nebbiolo and even Pinot Noir but it looks like science is going to defeat this theory because DNA analysis has shown it to be genetically distinct from both.
Conclusion
Among Greek wines, Naoussa Xinomavro stands as the benchmark for age-worthy reds.
If you haven’t tasted it, it is worth seeking out and cellaring. A well-made Xinomavro can evolve over 10–20 years. Comparing it with Barolo over time is a useful reference point.
For lighter styles, look beyond Naoussa to regions like Amynteo, where Xinomavro produces fresh rosé and sparkling wines.
The Author
1 thought on “Naoussa Xinomavro, a premium grape variety of Greece”