Diamantakos 2020 Xinomavro
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.
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Wine Specifics
WineWise Code | HDI-NAO20 |
Country | Greece |
Region | Naousa |
Color/Style | Red |
Farming Practices | Organic |
Varieties | 100% Xinomavro |
Closure | DIAM |
Case Size | 6x750 |
Pricing | NET |
Maceration | Pre-fermentation cold soak:Three days at 50F |
Pumpover/Punchdown | Initially gently pump overs and finishing with punch down. |
Destemming | Complete |
Fermentation Vessel | Stainless Steel |
Fermentation Duration | 14 days |
Aging Method | Used Barrique 70%, New Barrique 30% |
Aging Duration (months) | 14 days |
Filtered | Yes |
Fining Agents | None |
Yeast | Cultured |
Lees Contact/Stirring | 4 months |
Malolactic | Yes |
Added Sulfur | Yes 95 mg/L |
Vineyard Name | Mantemi |
Soil Type | Loam, Gravel, Sedimentary |
Elevation (meters) | 250 |
Vineyard Aspect | Northwest |
Vine Age | 39 |
Yields (hl/ha) | 51.8 |
Vine Training | Double Guyot trellis |
Picking | Hand-harvested |
Annual Production | 1270 |
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.