2024 Thymiopoulos Young Vines Xinomavro, Naoussa Macedonia

Apostolos Thymiopoulos has played a huge role in redefining modern Greek wine, crafting Xinomavro with a purity and freshness that has won fans around the world. Based in Naoussa in northern Macedonia, the estate focuses on organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the region’s high altitude vineyards and limestone rich soils to shine through clearly in the glass. The Young Vines bottling offers a more vibrant and approachable expression of Xinomavro while still carrying the savoury complexity that makes the variety so distinctive.

The 2024 vintage is lively, fragrant and packed with energy. Bright sour cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry aromas lift from the glass alongside dried herbs, rose petals and subtle earthy spice. There is a lovely crunch and freshness to the palate, with fine tannins and bright acidity giving the wine shape without heaviness. As it opens, hints of black olive, tea leaf and crushed stone emerge, adding extra depth and a distinctly Mediterranean feel beneath the juicy red fruit.

This is a brilliant food wine that thrives with rustic, flavour packed dishes. Lamb koftas, wood fired pizza or grilled mushrooms with herbs and olive oil would all be sensational matches. It would also shine beside tomato based pasta, smoky barbecue dishes or charcuterie shared outdoors with friends. Slightly chilled, it becomes dangerously drinkable, balancing vibrant fruit, savoury detail and bright freshness in a way that keeps you coming back for another glass.