Oenops, Xinomavro

A charming and elegant Xinomavro with enticing cherry and floral notes layered with spice and mineral tones. Pure, with a delicate freshness on the smooth finish. 

Producer Note

Oenops was founded in 2015 by talented winemaker Nikos Karatzas, who operating as a négociant, produces a stunning range of distinctive wines from his newly established state-of-the-art winery. He sources indigenous and rare grape varieties grown on exceptional terroir focussing on cool-climate sites and old-vine plots, from carefully selected vineyards in Drama and Macedonia, which have been cultivated by ambitious winegrowers using an organic philosophy. Niko adopts a minimal intervention approach, and vinifies plot by plot using stainless steel, concrete, oak barrels and amphora. His aim is to source great fruit and craft wines that reflect the nuances of the native varieties and the identity from the terroir and as a result, he produces a collection of authentic, elegant and delicious wines. 

Vineyard

The Xinomavro grapes come from specially selected vineyards in Naousa and Amyntaio, in the Macedonia region. Naousa is located amid mountain foothills rich in limestone and clay, 330 meters above sea level and 30 miles northwest of the nearest coastline. The cooler-climate area of Amyntaio sits at an elevation of around 580 to 650 metres. The vines are trained using a variety of methods, which have been tailored to suit the variety, vigour of the vine and the terroir, however most are Double Cordon, to keep yields low and concentrate the flavours in the fruit. The Gobelet method is used for the very old vines which are over 90 years in age, The majority of the vineyards are cultivated following organic principles, although they are not certified, and all grapes are hand-harvested in the cool of the night to retain freshness.

Winemaking

After careful sorting and a short cold-soak, slow spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts took place in tulip-shaped concrete tanks of 31hl, with a small proportion in 5hl open top barrels. 5 to 8% were fermented as whole clusters, imparting structure and complexity. Blending took place immediately after fermentation. The wine was then aged for 10 months on its fine lees in amphorae. The wine was bottled unfiltered to retain its natural character and elegance.

Tasting Note

A charming and elegant Xinomavro with enticing cherry and floral notes layered with spice and mineral tones. Wonderful purity of fruit with a delicate freshness on the smooth finish. 

Grape

Xinomavro 100%