Grape Deep Dive: Xinomavro — Greece’s Answer to Nebbiolo?
Xinomavro (pronounced ksee-NO-mah-vroh) might just be Greece’s most fascinating red grape — and one of the most underappreciated in Europe. Known for its firm tannins, savoury depth, and remarkable ageing potential, Xinomavro has earned comparisons to Italy’s Nebbiolo and France’s Syrah. But make no mistake — it has a character all its own.
Let’s take a closer look at where it thrives, how it tastes, and why it deserves a place in your glass.
Where Xinomavro Grows
Xinomavro is primarily found in northern Greece, with its spiritual home in Naoussa, a cool, mountainous region in Macedonia. Other notable appellations include:
• Amyndeon – Cooler, higher altitude, often producing lighter, fresher styles
• Rapsani – Located on the slopes of Mount Olympus, where Xinomavro is blended with Krassato and Stavroto
• Goumenissa – Known for more aromatic, elegant examples
These elevated vineyards help preserve acidity and develop complexity over long growing seasons — a key reason why Xinomavro wines age so gracefully.
What Xinomavro Tastes Like
Xinomavro literally means “acid black”, and the name doesn’t lie. Expect:
• Bright acidity and firm tannins
• Flavours of dried cherry, tomato leaf, olive, and sun-dried herbs
• Earthy, sometimes rustic notes, especially in traditional styles
• Delicate florals (rose, violet) with age
• Remarkable longevity, with top examples improving for 10+ years
At its best, Xinomavro delivers a layered, expressive wine with both power and finesse — think of it as the Greek cousin to Barolo or Northern Rhône Syrah.
Styles of Xinomavro
• Traditional Naoussa: Age-worthy, structured, savoury. Aged in old oak, sometimes a little wild in youth.
• Modern expressions: Softer tannins, more fruit-forward, with new oak and rounder textures.
• Blends: In Rapsani, blended with native grapes for added roundness.
• Rosé & sparkling: Amyndeon, in particular, produces elegant rosés and increasingly interesting sparklers.
Whether you’re a Burgundy devotee or a Syrah fan, there’s likely a Xinomavro style for you.
Food Pairing with Xinomavro
Xinomavro’s structure and earthy depth make it a dream with food:
• Grilled lamb, braised meats, or moussaka
• Stuffed peppers, lentil stew, or aubergine dishes
• Hard cheeses, charcuterie, or tomato-based sauces
It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean flavours and stands up to bold seasoning and richness.
Can’t Find Xinomavro? Try This Instead
While we’re not currently pouring Xinomavro at Raravina, we stock wines that capture similar characteristics — structure, savoury depth, and aromatic lift.
Try the Arpepe Rosso di Valtellina 2020 – Made from Nebbiolo grown in the Italian Alps, it offers bright acidity, red fruit, and fine-grained tannins — an elegant parallel to classic Naoussa.
Or explore Col di Lamo Rosso di Montalcino 2020 – A Sangiovese with structure, herbs, and lift — different grape, but similarly food-friendly and nuanced.
Discover Age-Worthy Reds with Character
At Raravina, we celebrate grapes like Xinomavro — expressive, region-rooted, and full of personality. If you’re drawn to wines that evolve in the glass and invite conversation, explore our curated selection of savoury reds and elegant mountain-grown bottles.
These are wines that speak — sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly — but always with something to say.
Until next time, stay nosey.
