Wines Unspecified 3RIZVS - Xinomavro - 2024

The 3RIZVS 2024 Cuvée, hailing from the Macedonian region of Greece, is an organic dry red wine, likely based on the characterful Xinomavro grape. This variety is often celebrated for its powerful structure, vibrant acidity, and aromatic complexity, typically offering a profile marked by tart red fruits, sun-dried tomatoes, olive, and subtle notes of spice or earth. While precise details on vinification remain unspecified, many contemporary Macedonian producers favour a gentle approach to extraction and increasingly lean towards sustainable vineyard practices, as reflected here by the organic certification. Being a recent vintage, you might expect a youthful, lively wine, marked by freshness and lightly grippy tannins, although some examples can also display early hints of savoury development.

Macedonia is one of Greece’s prime wine-growing areas, with a long tradition dating back to ancient times. The region’s climate is distinctly continental, with warm, dry summers and cold winters, often moderated by the proximity to mountain ranges and the influence of the Aegean Sea. The soils here vary but are frequently rich in limestone and clay, offering excellent drainage and imparting minerality and depth to the wines. Macedonian vineyards are renowned for nurturing indigenous varieties like Xinomavro, celebrated for their resilience and the expressive wines they yield.

This style of wine matches beautifully with heartier fare. For a regional touch, pair with Greek dishes like moussaka or slow-cooked lamb with herbs. Xinomavro-based expressions generally complement grilled meats, tomato-based stews, aubergine or stuffed vegetables, and even robust cheeses such as feta or kasseri. Vegetarian options like lentil moussaka or aubergine imam bayildi also work well with the wine’s acidity and earthy notes.

Serving advice: Enjoy this wine slightly cool, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving can help soften youthful tannins and open up its aromatic profile, revealing the wine’s full potential.