
Kir-Yianni
The SommPills Cellar
4 wines on the Macedonia & Northern Greece shelf, chosen one at a time.

4 wines on the shelf
Xinomavro, the defining grape of macedonia & northern greece, commands four dedicated PDOs — and in Naoussa and Amynteo, the rules permit nothing else. That singular focus on one variety is a signal worth following, and the reasons why become clear the moment you taste what the region puts in the glass.
If you love Barolo but not its price tag, Naoussa is the direct answer. Xinomavro grown in the Naoussa PDO produces red wines with the same structural backbone — grippy tannins, laser acidity, genuine cellar worthiness — at a fraction of the cost. Naoussa is also the only Greek appellation where producers are carving out named subregions in the manner of a cru system, with single-vineyard bottlings from sites like Palaiokalias, Gastra, and Trilofos already on the market. That kind of terroir granularity is what serious collectors pay a premium for in Burgundy and Piedmont; here it arrives at everyday prices. Pair a Naoussa red with braised lamb or a slow-cooked beef stew — the firm tannins and natural acidity cut through rich, fatty dishes cleanly. This is the region for the drinker who wants Italian-level depth and ageing potential without the Italian price. If you want Barolo-like depth from Xinomavro at a fraction of the price, our Macedonia & Northern Greece selection starts here →
Xinomavro reds age well for several decades. Their firm tannins and high acidity provide the structure needed for long cellaring, and the best Naoussa bottlings reward patience handsomely.
Young Xinomavro offers red fruit aromas — strawberry and plum — with an attractive bite from its acidity and tannins. With age it turns savoury and complex, much like a mature Barolo.
Yes — Amyndeo makes still and sparkling rosé from Xinomavro at various sweetness levels. Its sparkling rosé has been a standout style since 2010, offering a lighter, fresher expression of the grape.
Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.