Xinomavro is a grape variety widespread in northern Greece, especially in Macedonia and on the slopes of Mount Olympus in Rapsani. His best-known and perhaps best wine comes from the Naoussa region, even if the other regions have increasingly caught up. It was assumed that it could be related to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, but in fact it is a completely independent grape variety, the origins and origins of which have so far remained hidden. Nevertheless, it has the rather pale red color in common with Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo, and with Nebbiolo it also has high acidity, which gave it the name Xinomavro - “black acid”. It is vigorous, productive and requires conscientious canopy management. The grape is susceptible to both powdery mildew and downy mildew as well as black rot. The medium-late sprouting and late-ripening variety is suitable for pure varietal development as well as for cuvées, and rosé wines are also made from it in some places. The Xinomavro achieves its best results in rather cool locations. Xinomavro is not known to occur outside Greece.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Mavro Naoussis, Popolka, Xinogaltso
