Markovitis Xinomavro Naoussa 2019

Description

Marcos Markovitis is the third generation of viticulturists and winemakers at Markovitis Winery, formerly Chateau Pegasus, and the first producer in Greece to practice organic grape-growing. Naoussa is a region in the very north of Greece, near the border with Macedonia, famous for making Nebbiolo-style wines that can be just as age-worthy. Made with Xinomavro grapes, they can be austere in youth, with grippy tannins and high acid. With age, they acquire a fragrant lift and develop complex earthy notes, not unlike Pinot Noir.

Xinomavro is the only wine made in the estate, made with 100% destemmed fruit and aged in old oak barrels. Xinomavro roughly translates as ‘sour black’ and the grape is known for its dark colour, high acidity and big tannins. 

'This is of pale ruby colour with garnet tinches showing some age. The nose offers red cherry and plum and savoury aromas of dried herbs, leather and scorched earth, cloves, coconut, cinnamon and hints of vanilla. Medium plus bodied on the palate, this has structured tannins - Barolo lovers must try this!' Anja Breit, Philglas & Swiggot