Thymiopoulos Vineyards Naoussa PDO Alta 2018

Located within Greek Macedonia, Naoussa had been Greece’s very first wine region to be given its own official appellation title, and served as a model for the Greek appellation system since 1971. The classic Naoussa wine is a structured, savory red, made exclusively from Macedonia’s flagship red wine grape Xinomavro.

The Naoussa vineyards are located all around the eponymous town, on the eastern slopes of the 2050 meters Mount Vermio, the highest point in the Vermio Mountains. They are planted at altitudes between 150 and 350 meters above sea level. Unlike many other Greek wine regions, the climate around Naoussa is largely continental, without Mediterranean influence. Winters can be particularly cold in the area.

Thymiopoulos family has been working in viticulture of Macedonia for generations. Their winery, the Thymiopoulos winery is located in Trilofos, a village on the foothills of Vermio mountain. A place in perfect harmony with nature, offering wines that reflect their origin.

For this particular wine, the vineyards, sit between the altitude of 450 and 650 meters above sea level, greatly exceeds the local stereotypes. (thus “Alta” marked on the label) Not far from the village Fytia. The vine age averages around 26 years old, non-irrigated, and organically certified.  Much of soil underneath the vines is composed by weathered schist and granite. The harvest happens in the second week of October. After the harvest, the grapes are macerated for 18 days with a small percentage being whole cluster, fermented with indigenous yeasts for 1 to 3 months.

After the vilification, the wine had been aged in French oak for 8 months.