2020 Thymiopoulos Rapsani Terra Petra Xinomavro Blend, Naoussa

Apostolos Thymiopoulos has become one of the leading figures of modern Greek wine, helping shine an international spotlight on Xinomavro and the rugged vineyards of northern Greece. While best known for his work in Naoussa, the Terra Petra project explores the historic slopes of Rapsani on the foothills of Mount Olympus, where Xinomavro is blended with native varieties Krassato and Stavroto. The combination of mountain vineyards, limestone rich soils and Mediterranean influence creates a wine that feels both wild and beautifully refined.

The 2020 vintage is savoury, perfumed and packed with character. Sour cherry, wild strawberry and dark plum notes unfold alongside dried herbs, black olive, rose petals and earthy spice. Xinomavro brings structure, acidity and that wonderfully Nebbiolo like perfume, while the local blending varieties soften the edges and add richness through the middle palate. There is a distinctly herbal and mineral edge running through the wine, with hints of sun dried tomato, tea leaf and smoky earth slowly emerging as it opens in the glass. Fine tannins and bright acidity carry the flavours through a long, savoury finish.

This is a brilliant food wine that absolutely comes alive at the table. Slow roasted lamb with oregano, grilled octopus or moussaka would all be sensational pairings. It would also shine beside mushroom dishes, chargrilled eggplant or smoky meats cooked over charcoal. Given a little air, the wine keeps revealing more layers of spice, dried flowers and earthy complexity, making it one of those bottles that quietly wins everyone over as the evening rolls on.