Thymiopoulos Young Vines Xinomavro 2020

This wine—a Xinomavro from Thymiopoulos— is going to surprise you. It’s bright, fresh and elegant. Having never seen inside a single oak barrel, the wonderful flavours of pure red fruit, with a hint of mint, shine through. But don't think it's a simple wine; one sip will reveal that it is surprisingly complex!

Greek wines are increasingly in demand and several are widely available at the various bottle shops around the city. But if you are new to Greek wines, I recommend starting with this one. The Xinomavro grape (ksee-NOH-mah-vroh) is native to Greece and widely considered to be the finest red grape grown in the country. It is often compared to Nebbiolo of Italy or Pinot Noir of France, but I wouldn’t sell it short. It is a noble grape in its own right.

And the Thymiopoulos family knows how to let Xinomavro shine. They have farmed their land in the Valley of the Muses in the Naoussa region of Macedonia of Northern Greece for several generations, guided by the principles of biodynamics. Today they are crafting vibrant low intervention wines of excellent quality.

Drink this wine on a weekday with a burger or sausage, or even a slice or two of pizza. Find it at Grape Witches at 1247 Dundas St W, Toronto -$30