Tasting Notes
Skyphos is the co-operative's single-vineyard or prestige cuvée: Xinomavro from the Naoussa PDO, the appellation most associated with this difficult, noble variety in northern Greece. The 2017 vintage is now eight years old — a significant amount of bottle age for Xinomavro, which famously resembles Nebbiolo in its demanding tannic structure and need for time. This is a wine to open with care: the dry, austere tannins of youth will have softened considerably, allowing the complexity to emerge. Dried cherry and tomato leaf on the nose — the Xinomavro signatures — with spice, leather and the earthy, floral complexity that develops with age. Decant generously. Good with lamb, roasted meats, game and aged hard cheeses.
Details:
- Grape variety: Xinomavro (100%), Naoussa PDO, North Greece; organic; established producer already in the winemakers list; mature vintage (2017)
- Vinification: Manual harvest; indigenous yeasts; traditional extraction
- Aging: In oak; mature vintage; decant before serving; fine drinking now to 2030+
- Organoleptic description: Deep ruby-garnet; dried cherry, tomato leaf, spice, leather, floral complexity; structured, now softening, long complex finish
- Food pairing: Lamb, roasted meats, game, aged hard cheeses
