5 XINOMAVRO ROSÉS FOR THIS SUMMER!
If there is one Greek grape variety capable of producing the ultimate gastronomic summer rosé, that is undoubtedly Xinomavro! Rosé wines made from Xinomavro typically feature elegant aromas, irresistible, crisp acidity, a robust structure, red fruit notes, and subtle tomato nuances that catch your attention immediately.
French Provençal rosés may have made a massive splash and flooded the market in recent years, but Northern Greece steps up with a mic-drop response that rivals them effortlessly and fits the authentic Mediterranean summer like a glove!
We took a good look at what's out there and narrowed it down to the 5 ultimate Xinomavro rosé "gems" that absolutely deserve a spot in your wine cooler this summer. You still have time summer is only halfway through!
Here is the lineup:
1. L’Esprit du Lac 2025 – Kir-Yianni Estate
L’Esprit du Lac (The Spirit of the Lake) is now a benchmark among Xinomavro rosés, and anyone who tastes it rarely switches to anything else. Yet, we will never stop raving about it…
Sourced from the oldest vines of the historic Kali Riza vineyard in Agios Panteleimon, Amyndeon where the plateau’s four lakes cool down the hot summer days L’Esprit du Lac arrives like a refreshing breeze to redefine Greek rosé alongside its international peers. Between us, it leaves zero room for doubt.
It gets a top score from us because no other rosé in the world pairs so seamlessly with a traditional plate of homemade gemista (stuffed vegetables)!
2. Xinomavro Rosé 2023 – Zin Ideos Winery
"Zin Ideos" means living without fear and pain a self-sufficient life surrounded by good friends. And this wine was crafted for exactly those moments!
This family-owned boutique winery near the Pozar Thermal Baths cultivates Xinomavro in the Loutraki and Neromyloi vineyards. A brief maceration yields a medium salmon color in the glass, yet its varietal identity is impossible to hide.
Xinomavro Rose Zin Ideos, enticing aromas of tomato leap out, immediately bringing to mind dishes with fresh or cooked cherry tomatoes. At the same time, you'll find yourself guessing which sip will reveal its floral character, featuring notes of rose petals and dark sweet cherries!
Remember that tomato fritters (ntomatokeftedes) recipe you managed to "steal" from that lady at the tavern in Megalochori, Santorini? Dust off your recipe book… the time has come! Lived experience.
3. Rose de Xinomavro 2025 – Thymiopoulos Vineyards
You already know that Apostolos Thymiopoulos is making waves globally with his red Xinomavros and now with his Debina. But with Rose de Xinomavro, he works true magic!
First, he bottles it in dark glass, boldly proclaiming that this rosé isn't meant to be drunk strictly fresh. After 5 months in oak barrels, it develops structure, a gentle tannic backbone, and spicy aromas that lend immense gastronomic interest. Its Naoussa heritage leads the way like a banner, leaving a unique signature on your table.
Eggplants have officially met their soulmate! Yet this Xinomavro rosé is so versatile that it pairs equally well with grilled salmon fillet, shrimp cannelloni with tomato béchamel, or rich meat dishes.
You’d better stock up on a few extra bottles to keep in your wine cellar even until the summer of 2030. Though, let’s be honest… as if you’ll manage to resist opening them!
4. Rose Arktos 2025 – Elevation Vineyards
When you’ve cut your teeth on the hardcore terroir of Santorini, mastered Assyrtiko, and then move to the cold plateaus of Amyndeon, the challenges are plenty!
Artemis Karamolegos made a powerful statement with the Arktos project, passing Northern Xinomavro through his own elegant filter to produce a rosé that highlights the raw, crystalline purity of the variety. The Rose Arktos 2025 by Elevation Vineyards expresses the fruity side of Xinomavro with delicate floral aromas, incredible freshness, nerve, and a lingering finish you never quite get used to!
Shrimp ceviche, watermelon salad with feta and mint, or salmon sashimi paired with Rose Arktos make for the absolute best companion during golden hour!
5. Xinomavro Rosé Demi Sec 2025 – Tasionas Winery
In Ramnista, Giannakochori just outside Naoussa the 6th generation of the Tasionas family has been cultivating Xinomavro exclusively since the late 19th century.
A Demi-Sec version of the variety is something we aren't used to seeing. Yet one taste was enough to convince us that this was a wine we didn't know we were missing! Playful, airy, and delightfully provocative, this Xinomavro rosé goes with almost anything or nothing at all!
A touch of residual sugar delicately balances Xinomavro’s naturally high acidity without losing a bit of its character. What Xinomavro wine could ever hold its ground next to spicy sauces, Asian flavors, and cured meats?
Well, the Xinomavro Rosé Demi Sec 2025 by Tasionas Winery certainly can!
Now you might ask, at what temperature should we serve it for maximum enjoyment?
The ideal temperature is 9-13 degrees so we can enjoy their elegant aromas, but if it's 40 degrees outside, chill it a bit more because it will warm up in a minute. Additionally, richer versions like Rose de Xinomavro flirt more with 13 degrees. Think about what temperature you would serve a rich, oaked white wine at.
Can Xinomavro rosé wines age like their red siblings?
Hmm, yes and no. The richer ones or those with a distinct tannic presence win a ticket through time (see Arktos Rose, Rose de Xinomavro) and can roughly age for 2-4 years. The more delicate ones, like the one from Tasionas, are more charming while fresh, where fruity aromas dominate.
Proper summer dates should include rooftops, balconies (or living rooms with the AC on full blast), traditional olive-oil dishes (ladera), seafood, traditional cooked meals, or Mediterranean mezedes, and Greek rosé wine made from Xinomavro! Chill it right and enjoy responsibly!
Christina Tsogka
Botilia's Wine Specialist
