Naoussa Xinomavro (Markovitis) 2019 [Markovitis Naoussa Xinomavro] (Greece / Red / Elegant, long aging)

■ Appearance: A beautiful, brilliant, slightly pale ruby red with hints of garnet.

■ Aroma: Characteristic Xinomavro notes of ripe dried tomatoes and black olives, layered with aromas of red fruits like strawberries and cherries. Elegant spices from Hungarian oak and subtle earthy notes intertwine to create a complex bouquet.

■ Palate: The palate is very smooth and refined. The "beautiful acidity," which is the lifeblood of this varietal, is harmoniously balanced with a firm minerality derived from the calcareous soil and fine-grained tannins. While it is beautifully balanced now, it possesses tremendous potential to evolve into an even more alluring complexity with long-term aging (up to 20 years).

Xinomavro: A Noble Indigenous Variety Comparable to Barolo
"Xinomavro," meaning "acid and black" in Greek, is Greece's leading indigenous grape variety with the highest classification. Known for its rich acidity and robust tannins, it truly shines with extended aging, earning it high praise from wine lovers worldwide as being comparable to Italy's Nebbiolo (Barolo).

Grapes are hand-harvested at the end of September and fermented slowly for about one month in stainless steel tanks using only wild yeasts. After natural malolactic fermentation, the wine is carefully aged for 15 months in Hungarian oak barrels. By minimizing human intervention, the pure fruit flavors and terroir intrinsic to Xinomavro are preserved in the bottle.

Recommended perfect matches for this wine:

• ■ Roasted Duck (with berry sauce): The elegant acidity and red fruit nuances of the wine perfectly complement the juicy fat of the duck and the sweet-tartness of the sauce.
• ■ Tomato and Minced Meat Lasagna / Bolognese: Xinomavro pairs exceptionally well with tomato dishes. The acidity of the dish and the wine harmonize, enhancing each other's umami.
• ■ Sukiyaki (or Herb-Roasted Lamb Chops): The sweet and savory sauce (warishita) of sukiyaki, or the subtle spicy notes unique to the wine, enrich the flavor of the meat.

Serving Temperature: 11℃〜13℃ (Enjoy the elegant aroma that unfolds as the temperature gradually rises, starting from a temperature similar to a slightly warmer white wine or a lighter red wine.)

Elegance from Calcareous Soil and East-Facing Slopes
Naoussa, Polla Nera (12 hectares of estate vineyards). Located at an altitude of 250m, the east-facing vineyards provide an optimal environment for grapes to efficiently receive soft morning sunlight, allowing them to ripen beautifully while maintaining rich acidity. The well-drained "calcareous" soil imparts an elegant structure and refined minerality to the wine. A masterful blend of grapes from 5-year-old (50%), 14-year-old (30%), and 27-year-old (20%) vines ensures a harmonious coexistence of fresh youthfulness and deep complexity.