2022 Thymiopoulos Xinomavro young vines Macedonia Greece

[Dan_Kravitz]

More of a mouthful to pronounce than to swallow.
Medium transparent garnet color. Aromas are black cherry and forest trail, with a smoky hint. The palate is light and very fresh. It is tender, but also tense with crackling, pre-storm acidity. The flavors add some red plum and white spices. This is intriguing; tasty and subtle. It fits nicely wherever you might open basic Bourgogne, light Cru Beaujolais or Nebbiolo. Rated 89, delicious today, not sure how it will evolve. Great value under $20.

[Jim_Cowan]

@Dan_Kravitz

More of a mouthful to pronounce than to swallow.
Medium transparent garnet color. Aromas are black cherry and forest trail, with a smoky hint. The palate is light and very fresh. It is tender, but also tense with crackling, pre-storm acidity. The flavors add some red plum and white spices. This is intriguing; tasty and subtle. It fits nicely wherever you might open basic Bourgogne, light Cru Beaujolais or Nebbiolo. Rated 89, delicious today, not sure how it will evolve. Great value under $20.

That may be the most unusual description of a Xinomavro I’ve seen.
Usually, folks talk about tannin, size and dryness.
You have me intrigued.

[Dan_Kravitz]

Jim,

I find Xynomavro can be rather analogous to Nebbiolo. Instead of Barolo, say ‘Yowza Bowsa gimme some Naoussa’. Goumenissa would be the Barbaresco equivalent. The wine I had last night would be comparable to Nebbiolo d’Asti. Nebbiolo d’Alba would be closer to the Xynomavro descriptions you mention.

I am far from an expert on Greek wines, much less Xynomavro, but I love them and add them to my mix when I find them. Taverna Khione, the Greek restaurant in Brunswick Maine that I keep touting has made this easier (although this bottle did not come from there).

[ErlendFA]

Quite agree.
Big fan of the Naoussa Alta from the same producer.

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

Is this the “Terre et Ciel” (Sky and Earth) bottling?

[Dan_Kravitz]

I don’t see that on the labels.

I’m certainly motivated to try their higher level bottlings.

[Kent_Comley]

@Dan_Kravitz

It is tender, but also tense with crackling, pre-storm acidity.

Love this! Thanks for the note.

[Otto_Forsberg]

@Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m

Is this the “Terre et Ciel” (Sky and Earth) bottling?

No, it’s a different wine.

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

Thanks, Dan. Based on three or four of their bottles I had last week (spread over two of their bottlings; TNs forthcoming), I’d say your motivation is well-placed. Thanks for the note!

[Mike_Curran]

Loved the 2021 bottling of this wine! At 12.5 abv it was lighter on its feet than the 2022 and very aromatic. I’ve had one 2022 and was a bit set back at the fullness of it compared to the 2021. I’m sure I’ll grow to love the 2022 as well.