Thymiopoulos Vineyards Naoussa Alta 2024

Thymiopoulos Naoussa Alta 2022 is a vibrant, high-altitude expression of Xinomavro from the cool slopes of Naoussa in Northern Greece. Crafted for purity, freshness and finesse, it showcases the more delicate, almost Burgundian side of this traditionally structured and tannic grape. Born as an alternative cuvée in a challenging vintage, Alta has since become a benchmark for a new, elegant school of Naoussa Xinomavro.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Naoussa Alta 2022 shows a translucent, medium ruby color with bright garnet highlights, hinting at both freshness and underlying complexity. The nose is lifted and aromatic, with wild cherry, red currant and cranberry layered over dried rose petals, tomato leaf, sweet spice and a gentle herbal edge. Subtle notes of black tea, olive and earth add depth without weighing the wine down. On the palate, this is finely etched and precise rather than heavy, with juicy red fruit, vibrant acidity and silky, powdery tannins that are a hallmark of Thymiopoulos’ style. Flavors of sour cherry, pomegranate and blood orange mingle with hints of sun-dried tomato, bay leaf and a touch of savory spice, leading into a long, mouthwatering finish. While the wine is already charming and accessible in its youth, its structure and acidity suggest it will develop beautifully over the next 5–8 years, gaining more savory and tertiary complexity.

Production
The grapes for Naoussa Alta are sourced from high-altitude, organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards in Naoussa, in the Macedonian region of Northern Greece. Here, poor, well-drained soils of limestone, schist and clay, combined with cooler temperatures and significant diurnal variation, give Xinomavro a distinctive freshness and aromatic lift. Yields are kept low and harvesting is done by hand to ensure careful selection of perfectly ripe, healthy bunches. In the cellar, Apostolos Thymiopoulos favors a gentle, minimally interventionist approach: spontaneous fermentations with native yeasts, a significant proportion of whole bunches to enhance perfume and texture, and a measured use of neutral oak and/or large casks to preserve the grape’s purity. The result is a refined, terroir-driven Naoussa that emphasizes elegance over extraction.

Food & Serving
Naoussa Alta 2022 is a highly versatile food wine that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean and modern European cuisine. Try it with grilled lamb chops, braised rabbit, roast chicken with herbs, moussaka, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, or tomato-based pastas and pizzas, where its natural acidity and savory edge complement both richness and umami. It also works wonderfully with aged hard cheeses and semi-hard sheep or goat cheeses. Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and freshness. A gentle decant of 30–45 minutes helps the wine open up, especially in its first few years, revealing more floral and spice nuances.

Producer
Thymiopoulos Vineyards, led by winemaker Apostolos Thymiopoulos, is widely regarded as one of Greece’s most important and visionary producers, particularly for the Xinomavro grape. Based in Naoussa in the Macedonian heartland, the estate has championed organic and biodynamic practices, careful site selection and a more nuanced, terroir-driven expression of this native variety. With wines like the seminal “Earth and Sky” and the more high-toned, altitude-driven Naoussa Alta, Thymiopoulos has helped redefine the region’s style—from traditionally rustic and tannic to refined, perfumed and age-worthy. His wines are now benchmarks for modern Greek reds, frequently praised by international critics and sommeliers, and have played a key role in putting Naoussa and Xinomavro firmly on the global fine wine map.

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