The 2007 vintage was not uniform in all regions Only the bestfarmed sites produced very good wines a few even great The lack of spring rainfall and periodic heatwaves left many vineyards with waterstressed vines A Syrah in Drama was not irrigated in July despite the obvious signals and is so far the most blunted varietal I have recently come across Does anyone tell them about these just unattractive drying tannins
Another northern region with tanninmanagement issues is Naoussa one of the four Xinomavro playgrounds where this great grape particular to the northwestern Macedonia is cultivated
The Argatia vineyards just north of Yanakohori are just outside the appellation boundaries No matter In fact many of the farmers of this scattered and fragmented vineyard should take a closer look at what ampelographer author and now winemaker Haroula Spinthiropoulou is doing in her organically farmed vineyards Yields canopy management and carefully planned irrigation anyone can do As she walks me through her vines she adds Each plot is managed according to its own rhythm the aim is harmony I will add patience and risk taking Xinomavro is a late ripener It is this coaxing to get the tannic highacid grape phenolically ripe that marks out the handful of current topperforming Naoussa addresses
Darker than the paler ruby red we are accustomed to from this grape A hint of sweetness on the floral aromatics peonies Spice Coconut American oak not overly done integrated sweetness Juicy fruit Firm but ripe tannins A richly flavoured austere aftertaste of refreshing acidity Entering a closingdown period All xinomavro varietals and blends benefit from carafing Best 20112021
Wine: Argatia Xinomavro
Year: 2007
Link: http://www.argatia.gr/
Score: 17.5
Type: Red
Variety: Xinomavro
Area: Macedonia