Wines Naoussa Apostolos Thymiopoulos - Vrana Petra Xinomavro - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Apostolos Thymiopoulos's 2018 Vrana Petra Xinomavro is a distinguished red wine that eloquently showcases the character of Naoussa, in Northern Greece’s Macedonia region. Crafted exclusively from the indigenous Xinomavro grape, this cuvée is sourced from select vineyards in the elevated Vrana Petra site, known for its gravelly soils and cool climate exposure. The 2018 vintage benefited from a relatively mild growing season, enabling slow and even ripening, which has yielded a wine of remarkable aromatic clarity and elegance. Thymiopoulos is celebrated for his hands-off approach and commitment to organic viticulture; fermentation involves wild yeasts and minimal intervention, followed by ageing in neutral oak, which preserves Xinomavro’s intrinsic complexity without heavy wood influence.

The broader region of Naoussa is one of Greece’s most storied red wine appellations. Set at the foot of Mount Vermio, its vineyards are largely planted on limestone-rich soils which ensure both powerful structure and a nervy acidity in the finished wines. The continental climate, with its cold winters and hot summers moderated by the nearby mountains, is ideally suited to Xinomavro, a grape sometimes likened to Nebbiolo for its firm tannins, bright acidity, and ethereal aromatics. Historically, Naoussa has been a viticultural centre since antiquity, but it is only in recent decades that the world has rediscovered its superb potential for complex, age-worthy reds.

This 2018 Vrana Petra Xinomavro invites thoughtful food pairings thanks to its savoury profile and taut structure. It shines alongside grilled lamb with rosemary, slow-cooked beef stews, or mains featuring roasted aubergine and tomatoes. For a regional experience, try pairing it with Greek moussaka or a plate of keftedes (herbed meatballs). The wine’s vibrant acid and spice also complement aged hard cheeses such as kefalotyri.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour can help soften youthful tannins and open up its bouquet of dried cherry, sun-dried tomato, and earthy herbs. The wine is drinking beautifully now but will evolve gracefully with further cellaring over the next five to eight years.