10 XINOMAVRA TO DRINK NOW!
To mark International Xinomavro Day, celebrated every year on November 1st, I decided to do what every die-hard Hulk Hogan of the Greek vineyard would dream of: recommend 10 Xinomavros you can enjoy right now no need to wait an eternity and a day.
Don’t get me wrong, good things take time. And Xinomavro, as we all know, has such a profound relationship with time that even other grape varieties and humans might envy it.
Xinomavro has two souls. One is like the old guard (if you watched Game of Thrones, think the Starks): proud, structured wines with tannins that stare you down and whisper, “You’ll wait for me,” leaving you speechless. The other is the new guard (the Lannisters): fruity, elegant, refined, and playful wines, ready for action without needing years in the cellar. And somewhere in between, you’ll find those that balance both worlds with finesse (clearly Jon Snow): wines you can drink now and again years later—with the same emotional thrill.
1. Naoussa Alta 2024 – Thymiopoulos Vineyards Apostolos
Thymiopoulos has earned many accolades and rightly so. He’s the reason Xinomavro shed its iron armor and revealed a more graceful side through biodynamic precision. Naoussa Alta 2024 is the epitome of this philosophy, light, aromatic, and expressive, with cherry, sour cherry, floral and herbal notes that speak to the heart. High-altitude vineyards and gentle extraction give it vibrancy and clarity, while silky tannins and aromatic complexity demand to be enjoyed young. A Xinomavro that rewards immediacy.
2. Rosé Extra Brut 2023 – Karanika Estate
Rose Extra Brut 2023 from Karanikas Estate is one of Greece’s most iconic fizz expressions. Laurens Hartman and Lefteris Karanikas pioneered traditional-method sparkling wines in Greece, cultivating biodynamic vineyards in chilly Amyntaio. The result? A refined, crisp Xinomavro with creamy texture and aromas of strawberry, brioche, and flowers. Perfectly balanced and ready to drink now it’s a Greek sparkler that can hold its own next to top-tier French rosés.
3. Aiora Xinomavro Amphora 2023 – Moschopolis Winery
Moschopolis is known for its experimental spirit. This Aiora Xinomavro Amphora 2024 ferments and ages for 12 months in clay amphorae no barrels allowing the grape’s character to shine. The result is silky, delicate, and crystal-clear, with red fruit and floral dominance. It’s a natural, lighter take on the variety, juicy and dangerously easy to drink (two bottles minimum), no aging required.
4. Terre de Zeus 2022 – Navitas Winery
Out of nowhere comes Terre de Zeus 2022, a bold and elegant Xinomavro that screams new-generation winemaking. From the cool, sandy soils of Litochoro, it offers vibrancy and femininity, with cherry, rose petal, raspberry, and sweet spice aromas. A blend of tank, barrel, and concrete gives it plush fruit and silky tannins, with a modern, approachable profile that rivals the classics.
5. Naoussa 2021 – Markovitis Estate
No frills, no fuss just pure pleasure. Naoussa 2021 continues the legacy of Chateau Pegasus, Greece’s first organic vineyard. Native yeasts, gentle extraction, and 12 months in old barrels wrap red fruit, sweet spice, and chocolate notes in a warm embrace. If you’ve managed to age it, let me know how it evolves because I never could. Depth and longevity are its hallmarks, but patience isn’t mine.
6. Xinomavro 2023 – Oenops Wines
You didn’t expect anything less from Nikos Karatzas, did you? His 2023 Xinomavro is juicy, crunchy, and bursting with fruit and finesse. The silver medal at Decanter is just a nudge to open it now while it’s fresh and expressive. Fermented in open tanks, bottled unfiltered with minimal intervention it’s a vivid snapshot of the grape’s playful side.
7. Naoussa 2022 – Oenos Nature
Got friends who say “I don’t drink Xinomavro” because they think it’s too harsh? Naousa 2011 from Oenos Nature one’s for them and for us. Yes, it has that beloved tomato leaf character, but also a luscious palette of strawberry jam, rose petals, and cherry. No time or explanation needed. Ready now, with velvety tannins and fruit that flares up like a matchstick. Perfect with stews or solo, with style.
8. Rosé de Xinomavro 2024 – Thymiopoulos Vineyards
A dark bottle of rosé isn’t for casual summer sipping. Rose de Xinomavro 2014 from Apostolos Thymiopoulos is built to last. Aged 5 months in barrel, it has gentle tannic structure, subtle creaminess, and aromatic intensity. It’s winning now but in five years, it’ll be a dream. Who’ll tell us how it evolves?
9. Naoussa 2018 – Domaine Kelesidis
Ready and irresistible. Naoussa 2018 blends mature Xinomavro charm with the freshness of perfect balance. Dried cherry, tomato leaf, and a hint of leather add depth without weight. The 2018 vintage gave ripe, lively fruit, and careful barrel aging added velvet texture and long finish. Unexpectedly graceful and accessible it’ll always stand out.
10. Naoussaia 2018 – Foundis Estate
If I had to sum it up in two words: classy and ready. A Naoussa benchmark, aged 12 months in French oak, with rounded tannins and elegance that doesn’t overshadow the fruit. No need to wait until you enjoy a glass of Naousaia 2018 from Foundis Estate as it’s already perfect alongside braised beef cheeks or smoked cheese-stuffed burgers.
Red or rosé, they’re all ready to drink and remind you why Xinomavro reigns supreme. Yes, you can enjoy them now and love every sip. Cheers!
Christina Tsogka
