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SOMMWINE GRAPE LIBRARY
Xinomavro
Also known as Xinogaltso, Popolka, Mavro Naousis (conditional/geographically qualified synonym in the GrapeGen EU catalogue)
Xinomavro is a defining red grape of northern Greece, yet its name does not describe one fixed wine style. Naoussa’s 100% Xinomavro PDO reds are typically pale in colour, high in acidity and tannin, and built for development. Elsewhere, the grape also appears in rosé, sparkling and sweet wines; Amyndeon’s high, lake-influenced plateau offers a different regional context and a particularly notable rosé and sparkling tradition.
ColourRed
ClassificationVitis vinifera; European Grapevine Catalogue identifier 13284, black-berried.
Typical bodyNo universal body assigned. Naoussa has traditional and modern red expressions; the national wine source also documents rosé, sparkling and sweet styles.
Typical acidityNaoussa PDO reds are described as high in acidity. This is a regional wine-style description, not a fixed chemical value for all Xinomavro wines.
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At a Glance
Ageworthy red wines, especially Naoussa PDO; the PDO requires 100% Xinomavro.
Typical tannin: Naoussa PDO reds are generally described as high in tannin; harvest and winemaking change the perceived level.
Aromas and Flavours
- Naoussa PDO descriptions include strawberry and sour cherry, tomato and olive, sweet spice and floral notes. Aged examples may develop earthy, mushroom or truffle notes; these are regional style descriptions, not a list every wine will show.
Where It Grows
- Naoussa
- Amyndeon (Amynteo)
- Goumenissa
- Rapsani
- Macedonia
- Thessaly
- Greece
Climate and Winemaking
Northern Greece includes varied sites. Wines of Greece describes Amyndeon’s high plateau, lakes, cooler continental conditions and sandy, low-fertility alluvial soils, contrasting it with Naoussa. This describes place, not a universal climate preference for the cultivar.
The Greek national wine organization characterizes the variety as demanding, requiring suitable terroir, careful cultivation, low yields and appropriate weather. No unsupported universal ripening date, disease susceptibility or canopy prescription is assigned.
Xinomavro is used for red, rosé, sparkling and sweet wine. Wines of Greece reports that reds are often released at two years or older after time in oak and bottle; this is an observed practice rather than a rule. In Naoussa, the regional authority describes traditional longer maceration and wood maturation to soften tannins, alongside more fruit-driven modern styles.
Food Pairings
- Editorial suggestion: pair firm, high-acid Naoussa red with richly flavoured braised or grilled dishes, or aged cheese. Match intensity and tannin to the specific wine; these are recommendations, not cultivar facts.
Ageing Potential
- Structured red wines can be released after meaningful maturation and may develop over long bottle ageing according to Wines of Greece; actual longevity depends on wine quality, vintage and cellar conditions.
Test Your Knowledge
- How does the range of Xinomavro wine styles challenge the idea that a grape has only one “typical” wine?
- Which regional factors distinguish Amyndeon from Naoussa, and why should those not be treated as the sole cause of sensory differences?
- Why are synonyms such as Mavro Naoussis handled with geographic qualification?
Sources and Further Reading
- Xinomavro variety profile
- EU authorised wine-grape variety list by variety
- Florina / Amyndeon region profile
- Optimizing Xinomavro Performance by Post-Bloom Basal Leaf Removal Applications
- Effect of viticultural practices on grapevine characteristics associated with wine quality of Xinomavro
- Naoussa regional wine fact file
- Naoussa PDO Xinomavro wine profile
- WSET Level 2 Award in Wines specification, August 2026 Issue 2.1
- WSET Level 2 Award in Wines qualification page
