10 years ago, when I visited Naoussa on a highly wine-touristic trip, I read a very interesting book in the lounge of the Palea Poli Hotel.  On one page I read about the 12 months of Xinomavro in Naoussa and I quote them:

 

 

THE VINE

MONTH

THE VINEGROWER

Sleeps

January

Prunes

Sleeps

February

Prunes

Cries  at the woods from pruning

 March

Ploughs - Lubricates

Bud open

April

Sprays

Leaves grow

May

Ties the shoots to the wires

Blooms- Forms the grape

June

Trims the tops

Bunches grow

July

Sprays

Grapes acquire color

August

Waits and worries

Grapes mature

September

Harvests

Leaves redden and all

October

Makes wine

Sprouts dry up

November

Rests

Sleeps

December

Prunes

 

Several years have passed since then and my visits to Naoussa, instead of decreasing, have increased. There was always a reason to go back. Our friendly relationship with several winemakers? The wines we had bought were quickly running out? Or ultimately it was the variety of Xinomavro itself that was the magnet for us. Throughout the zone, in the vineyards of Paliokalia or in Polala Nera, in Rodochori, the image, the moments, the warm hospitality and the taste remained unshakeable.

Apart from Naoussa, of course, the search for Xinomavro continued in Amyndeon and Goumenissa. Another taste there. But it is the people who make the difference. A variety ambassador of the Greek vineyard, an International Xinomavro day November 1st, thousands of moments.

More info about the variety:

Harvest 1-10 of October

Winemaking Classic Red vinification. Fermented in stainless steel tanks.

Maturation Ageing for 12 months in oak barrels

Aging Potential 6-8 years

 

 

Cheers!