Diamantakos 2019 Xinomavro (Naoussa)
It is a given that Xinomavro evokes Nebbiolo more than anything, but Giorgios’ wine reminds us unavoidably of Côte Rôtie. A heady blend of peppers, olives and Syrah spice evoke the Mistral rather than zephyrs. But then those reassuring tannins in the tail remind us of where we are, while the relatively sumptuous fruit suggests a potential for generosity that not all Naoussa offers in its youth. Those of you who remember fondly the great Uranos of Thimiopoulos will find a kinship here.
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Wine Specifics
WineWise Code | HDI-NAO19 |
Country | Greece |
Region | Naousa |
Color/Style | Red |
Destemming | Complete |
Fermentation Vessel | Stainless Steel |
Additional Fermentation Notes | 14 days |
Aging Vessel | Used Barrique 70%, New Barrique 30% |
Aging Duration (months) | 14 days |
Filtered? | Yes |
Fining Agents | None |
Yeast Protocol | Cultured |
Malolactic Conversion | Yes |
Additonal Maturation Details: | 4 months |
Added Sulfur | Yes 95 mg/L |
Varieties | 100% Xinomavro |
Closure | DIAM |
Annual Production | 1270 |
Primary Vineyard Name | Mantemi |
Soil Types | Loam, Gravel, Sedimentary |
Elevation (meters) | 250 |
Vine Age | 39 |
Yields (hl/ha) | 51.8 |
Farming Practices | Organic |
Harvest Method | Hand-harvested |
Additional Harvest Notes | Double Guyot trellis |
Other Vineyard Details | Northwest |
Notes from the Producer: A wine of medium ruby colour, medium aromatic intensity. Powerful nose of sumptuous red fruit dominated by raspberry, cranberry and red plums; black fruit mainly blueberry, bramble, mulberry, damson, black cherries and black plums; the herbaceous hallmark of Xinomavro expressed as tomato leaf and tomato paste; spice such as liquorice. The clarity of fruit is ingrained with carefully managed oak boasting aromas of vanilla, cloves, coconut, coffee and butterscotch.
On the palate, the wine is dense and solidly built. Dry, with medium acidity, medium body, framed by lacy, fine-grained high tannins, versus generous red and black fruit extract and medium alcohol. It displays pronounced intensity of flavours and a long finish. It is balancing its high tannic grip and acidity levels versus fruit extract and alcohol integration; it is intense, complex with compelling and expressive aromas. An elegant rendition of Xinomavro, yet succinct, robust with clear varietal definition, well-crafted tannins to be resolved and concentrated fruit to support it for the longer haul. This wine is for long keeping during which it will develop even more complex aromas from bottle ageing.