“If it were possible to give an entire country an award, our Rising Star would in all likelihood be named as Greece. The country’s winemaking has made enormous strides, and it is now producing truly world-class wines. Much credit for its increased profile on the global stage should go to one person, though, who is the very worthy winner of this year’s Rising Star award.”
Sarah Jane Evans – Decanter
The Thymiopoulos family has been in agriculture and grape-growing in the village of Trilofos for generations. Apostolos Thymiopoulos was the first to vinify the family vineyards while studying oenology.
The Thymiopoulos vineyards are located in Trilofos, a village on the foothills of Vermio mountain, a place in perfect harmony with nature, offering wines that reflect their origin. All the vineyards are farmed organically, following biodynamic practices selected after careful assessment of their impact on the vine. These methods allow them to preserve biodiversity in the vineyards.
XINOMAVRO
The name Xinomavro means ‘sour/acid black’.
Apostolos Thymiopoulos devotes himself exclusively to xinomavro, the emblematic variety of the Naoussa region, expressing “terroir” as well as the craftsmanship of the “vigneron”.
Xinomavro doesn’t leave room for mistake, either in the vineyard, or in the winery. Vinified according to the rules of the art, xinomavro yields acid, tannic yet ethereal, long lived wines with a distinctive aromatic profile.
Thymiopoulos offers different expressions of the xinomavro variety, all vinified with absolute respect to the grape. Each wine produced reflects the specificity of the parcel it originates from.
‘Young Vines’ Xinomavro 2020
“It’s incredible value, and a brilliant introduction to the Xinomavro grape. Juicy, approachable and fresh, serve it lightly chilled and enjoy the cranberry, cherry and tomato leaf flavours. There’s no oak here (it’s aged in a mix of stainless steel and concrete), just an uncomplicated, joyful fruit purity. Also try the ‘Alta’ Xinomavro from the same talented producer; this does see some oak and has a more leathery and tomato profile.”
94 Points – Decanter
Alta Xinomavro 2019/2020
‘Alta’ is sourced exclusively from the high-altitude vineyards of Fytia which leads to an ethereal, aromatic xinomavro packed with cherry and strawberry notes alongside refreshing acidity, firm tannins and savoury cedar thanks to 8 months in French oak vats.
2019
“Pale ruby. Lightweight, almost like being brushed by a feather. But beautifully balanced, with a light dusty aroma and very ready to enjoy. Great purity on the finish. I found it impossible to spit out.”
17/20
Jancis Robinson
‘Earth & Sky’ Xinomavro 2019
Grown on 45-year-old vines, 70% from the warmer Trilofos region, and 30% from cooler Fytia, this is Apostolos’ most ethereal red wine with remarkable focus and charm. Not dissimilar to fine red burgundy, this Greek red has aromas of black slate and red fruit, with silky tannins and intense acidity.
‘Rapsani’ Terra Petra 2019
The Terra Petra of the Thymiopoulos estate is a cuvée of 70% Xinomavro,
30% Stavroto and Krassato, coming from the Rapsani appellation, about 50km south of Naoussa, at the foot of Mount Olympus.
Stavroto is local to Rapsani, a vigorous variety with compact bunches of small berries. ‘It’s more like Grenache or Poulsard,’ says Thymiopoulous.
Krassato, the other element of Rapsani, delivers alcohol, a darker colour and aromatics, but is lower in tannins and acidity, hence a good complement to Xinomavro.
Deep crimson, rich concentrated fruit. Smoky and fresh.