Following organic & biodynamic practices in the vineyard and low-intervention in the cellar, Apostolos Thymiopoulos produces one of Greece’s finest reds, with age-worthy structure, bright acidity, and hints of red fruit, anise, & rose petals akin to Barolo at a fraction of the price. Decant now or age! Food Pairing Lamb dishes, game meats, mushrooms. Native to Greece, Xinomavro is widely regarded the finest red wine of the country. Its name literally means “acid black”, and attains fullest potential in the country’s northwest region of Naoussa. These single varietal bottlings of Xinomavro (blending is not allowed here) are often compared to the fine Barolos of Italy for their structure, finesse and age-worthiness. While its vines are fickle and blue-black grapes grow in tight clusters, similar to Nebbiolo, Xinomavro actually appears unrelated. Somm Secret—The use of French oak can help tame Xinomavro but too much can overwhelm it. Some eschew oak entirely during winemaking; other producers use locally-grown walnut.