PDO Naoussa (Greece)
PDO Naoussa (PDO-GR-A1610) mainly produced of the indigenous variety Xinomavro.
Xinomavro-Naoussa is a singular, northern red, is the most significant red grape of northern Greece. For the record, there are three appellations in Greece that feature Xinomavro. PDO Amynteon in Western Macedonia, PDO Goumenissa north of Thessaloniki and PDO Rapsani on the eastern slopes of Mt. Olympus. This two require vintners to blend Xinomavro with native Negoska, and Krassato and Stavroto, respectively. But Xinomavro-Naoussa and Xinomavro-Amynteo, planted in two wine growing areas of northwestern Macedonia of great importance, Naoussa and Amynteo, give the mono-varietal appellations PDO Naoussa and PDO Amynteo, where this singular, northern red reveals its deeper character.Xinomavro is one of the oldest indigenous varieties in Greece. Naoussa is the main production zone of Xinomavro and its producers have invested their future in Xinomavro and the PDO wines.
The noble red wine variety that has been cultivated for hundreds of years in the area, Xinomavro, has taken many names from time to time. "Black Naoussa" or "Polo" or "Polo" or "Black Sour". The dry wine of the NAOUSA Superior Grade of Origin is made exclusively from Xinomavro, a red grape, well acclimated to the continental climates.Xinomavro is cultivated in more areas than any other variety in Greece, but Naoussa easily reaches the perfect ripeness. Appears with an appreciable potential in fermentation and aging aromas, but also with an equilibrium in sugar - acid - tannin
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The Protected Designation of Origin Naoussa (PDO Naoussa), reflecting the lush and varied vineyards of Naoussa, takes its name from the eponymous city, though several other communes are encompassed in the appellation. The wines of PDO Naoussa are 100% Xinomavro by law, and always red. In general, they are sturdy, tannic wines in youth and capable of long ageing. They are the most full-bodied of the Xinomavro appellations and offer a dazzling display of aromatic complexity, spanning the spectrum of the variety’s aromatic potential. The lush and varied vineyards of Naoussa sit between 150 and 450m elevation and receive enough rainfall in most vintages to make irrigation unnecessary. Detailed soils analysis has been done, revealing significant differences within the region and at least 25 different soil types (of which 5 main categories have been established).
Mavrud (PDO&PGI) (Bulgaria)
Mavrud is a dark-skinned grape variety of Bulgarian origin. Its precise provenance is generally accepted to be Asenovgrad, an appellation in the West Thracian Valley of southern Bulgaria.Mavrud is an old red grape variety cultivated in Bulgaria since ancient times. The birthplace of Mavrud is the area around today’s city of Plovdiv in the Western Thrace wine region. The name Mavrud is derived from the Greek word “mavro”, which means black. This is probably because the skin of the Mavrud grape is bluish-black.
The Mavrud bunch is large, winged and relatively heavy. The grapes themselves are small and spherical with thick and tough skin. Mavrud is a late ripening variety – the grape ripens around mid-October in the Plovdiv area –and it is not resistant to cold temperatures. That is why Mavrud thrives best in the warmer parts of Bulgaria with deep, fresh alluvial soils. The highest concentration of Mavrud vineyards are in its birthplace – the Plovdiv region (especially around the city of Asenovgard) and also in some areas around Pazardzhik, Stara Zagora and Pomorie (at the Black Sea coast). Recently, Mavrud has been successfully cultivated in the Eastern Rhodope and Sakar region, as well as in the Melnik area.Mavrud is probably the most highly valued local grape variety. Bulgarians take great pride in Mavrud and actively look for wines from this variety on the market.
Tasting Notes:
It is characterized by intense, sparkling purple-red colour. This wine is accented by the flavours of ripe forest fruits, sweet cherry, black current and dried fruit. With a velvety pallet, this wine leaves the taste of sweet, ripe tannins with amazing long lasting flavours.
Serving temperature:
Tempered to 16-18°
It is recommended to serve this wine with red meats, wild game and aged cheeses.
