PDO Naoussa (PDO-GR-A1610) mainly produced of the indigenous variety Xinomavro.
Xinomavro-Naoussa is a singular, northern red, is the most significant red grape of northern Greece. For the record, there are three appellations in Greece that feature Xinomavro. PDO Amynteon in Western Macedonia, PDO Goumenissa north of Thessaloniki and PDO Rapsani on the eastern slopes of Mt. Olympus. This two require
vintners to blend Xinomavro with native Negoska, and Krassato and Stavroto, respectively. But Xinomavro-Naoussa and Xinomavro-Amynteo, planted in two wine growing areas of northwestern Macedonia of great importance, Naoussa and Amynteo, give the mono-varietal appellations PDO Naoussa and PDO Amynteo, where this singular, northern red reveals its deeper character.Xinomavro is one of the oldest indigenous varieties in Greece. Naoussa is the main production zone of Xinomavro and its producers have invested their future in Xinomavro and the PDO wines.
The noble red wine variety that has been cultivated for hundreds of years in the area, Xinomavro, has taken many names from time to time. "Black Naoussa" or "Polo" or "Polo" or "Black Sour". The dry wine of the NAOUSA Superior Grade of Origin is made exclusively from Xinomavro, a red grape, well acclimated to the continental climates.Xinomavro is cultivated in more areas than any other variety in Greece, but Naoussa easily reaches the perfect ripeness. Appears with an appreciable potential in fermentation and aging aromas, but also with an equilibrium in sugar - acid - tannin
contents.
The Protected Designation of Origin Naoussa (PDO Naoussa), reflecting the lush and varied vineyards of Naoussa, takes its name from the eponymous city, though several other communes are encompassed in the appellation. The wines of PDO Naoussa are 100% Xinomavro by law, and always red. In general, they are sturdy, tannic wines in youth and capable of long ageing. They are the most full-bodied of the Xinomavro appellations and offer a dazzling display of aromatic complexity, spanning the spectrum of the variety’s aromatic potential. The lush and varied vineyards of Naoussa sit between 150 and 350m elevation and receive enough rainfall in most vintages to make irrigation unnecessary. Detailed soils analysis has been done, revealing significant differences within the region and at least 25 different soil types (of which 5 main categories have been established). A kaleidoscope of raspberries, damson, vanilla and cinnamon compliment a well-structured, rich and sufficiently tannic to age wine.
