Xinomavro Wine variety 

Xinomavro is a high quality Greek red wine variety.

What does Xinomavro Taste like

Common descriptors of Xinomavro wines include cherries, strawberries for younger wines developing more savoury flavours reminiscent of tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes and tobacco with ageing. The tannins and acidity are prominent in young wines but mellow with age.

This variety has been described as Greece's answer to Piedmont's Nebbiolo and Burgundy's Pinot Noir. The wines have similar acid and tannin structure to these varieties, but it is genetically unrelated to both.

Xinomavro is also used for rose and sparkling wines, some of them sweet.

Xinomavro in Greece

Xinomavro's stronghold in Greece is in Naoussa* region in northern Greece. It is the second most planted red wine variety in Greece. Agiorgitiko is the most planted. Over recent years its quality and renown have lead to increased planting elsewhere in Greece, especially in the Peloponnese Peninsula. There are also plantings in the Republic of North Macedonia but little elsewhere.
*You can learn about Greek wine regions with this digital wine map of Greece

Xinomavro in Australia

In my Vinodiversity database I have just one producer of Xinomavro in Australia, namely Paulmara Estates in the Barossa Valley. There it is used to make red, rose and white (blanc de noir) wines. 

This variety is one of 200 which are featured in the forthcoming book Beyond Shiraz. 

Details Here

Xinomavro and Food

The Greek origin of this variety is a clue to what foods to go with it.  Paul Geogiadis of Paulmara Estates says 

 Due to its tartness and the potential to age, XinoMavro wines  pairs beautifully with grilled meats on charcoal (lamb or beef), rich stews and with aged cheese. 

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