Naoussea Naoussa
Naoussea · Naoussa, Greece
At a glance
- Producer
- Naoussea
- Region
- Naoussa, Greece
- Grape variety
- Xinomavro
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Earthy
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- Approximately $25-$40 retail (standard 750ml bottle). Pricing based on typical Naoussa Xinomavro wines from reputable merchants such as Wine-Searcher listings and Greek wine importers.
Tasting profile
Red cherry, dried tomato, olive, smoked herbs, earth, and subtle spice with firm tannin grip and fresh acidity.
Evolution: Fruit will soften, tannins integrate, and tertiary notes like leather, tobacco and forest floor will emerge with bottle age.
At peak: Balanced integration of fruit, earth, and savory notes with smooth tannins and lifted acidity giving a refined and complex finish.
Structure
- Acidity
- High acidity providing freshness and excellent aging backbone
- Tannins
- Medium to firm tannins; characteristic of Xinomavro grape providing good grip and aging texture
- Alcohol
- Moderate to moderately high (~13-14%) well-integrated alcohol typical of quality Naoussa wines
- Aging potential
- 8-15 years from vintage, with best drinking within 5-12 years post-vintage
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2025 to 2030
- Optimal window
- 2022 to 2033
- Current status
- Ready now but can benefit from short-term aging
- Current condition
- Approachable fruit character with developing tannin integration; showing youthful structure that will soften further with cellar time.
The peak drinking window of 2025-2030 reflects the period when the wine’s firm tannins have softened, acidity remains vibrant, and primary fruity notes evolve into complex secondary and tertiary flavors enhancing overall harmony. After peak, fruit fades gradually and tannins may dry out, indicating end of optimal enjoyment.
Food pairing
Pairs excellently with grilled lamb, roasted pork, game meats (such as duck or venison), and Greek cuisine specialties including moussaka, grilled vegetables, and herbaceous dishes. As it ages, pairs well with mature cheeses and earthy mushroom dishes.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (30-60 minutes) — To soften firm tannins and open up aromatic complexity typical of young Xinomavro wines.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 6/10
Likely uses traditional low-intervention methods consistent with many Naoussa producers; specifics unavailable
While Naoussa producers tend to emphasize quality and traditional viticulture, there is limited public information on certified sustainable practices for this producer. Greek wine region is increasingly adopting sustainability standards.