APOSTOLOS THYMIOPOULOS
The master of Xinomavro
Apostolos devotes himself exclusively to Xinomavro, the emblematic variety of the Naoussa region, expressing “terroir” as well as the craftsmanship of the “vigneron”.
Superstar grape of Greece, Xinomavro is an incredibly versatile variety which can show many faces depending on its origins. That said, a well-crafted Xinomavro wine always has an unmistakably Greek flavour profile, along with real class and finesse.
Famed for their complexity and their ability to express their terroir, Xinomavro wines show a unique and multi-faceted personality, yielding “vin de garde” reds, dynamic rosés, aromatic sparkling wines, and even idiosyncratic sweet wines.
Thymiopoulos offers different expressions of the variety, all vinified with absolute respect to the grape. Each wine produced reflects the specificity of the parcel it originates from.
Apostolos Thymiopoulos’ brilliant Xinomavros are among Greece’s most renowned wines.
He has mastered the grape variety like nobody else.
ATMA White 2022
(Malagousia, Xinomavro)
Brilliantly light yellow in colour with greenish tints, strong and lively nose, floral aromas and sweet spices, melon, lychee with a note of honey-suckle. The mouth is rich, bold and silky. Long and pleasant aftertaste.
ATMA Red 2019
A blend of Xinomavro from Naoussa and Mandilaria from the island of Santorini. It’s soft and succulent and remarkably fresh with red fruits aplenty on the nose and palate. Apostolos told us that he puts his wines through a slow and gentle maceration to tame the grape’s rustic side, while coaxing plenty of wonderful flavours out. Imagine strawberry juice given piquancy by a squeeze of pomegranate overlaid by flowers and sweet spices from the Xinomavro and white pepper from the Mandilaria. A really fresh and succulent wine that doesn’t know how good it is. Unoaked.
Rosé de Xinomavro 2021
“Mid orangey gold. Rich and intense aroma that reminds of apricots and tangy red fruits, orange plum. So much aroma. There are definite tannins here that add great structure to the broad, full-flavoured, slightly spicy but fresh rosé. A whole-hearted wine that you could drink on its own but also with the structure for food. Really mouth-watering finish, complex and long and very very good value. A wine of the week.”
Jancisrobinson.com
‘Young Vines’ Xinomavro 2021
“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 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.
‘Earth & Sky’ Xinomavro 2021
“Dark, shaded garnet. Such integrity on the nose! Thrilling vibrancy and stoniness. Dry, nervy finish after fully – but not over – ripe fruit. A really lovely, distinctive wine.”
Jancisrobinson.com
Rapsani ‘Terra Petra’ 2019
2019 is a brilliant vintage in northern Greece and this xinomavro, from Rapsani in the foothills of Mount Olympus, is blended with krassato and stavroto for colour and added richness. Expect a bewitching bouquet of cherries, cloves and forest floor not dissimilar to top Burgundy, and a full, refreshing palate.
Kayafas Xinomavro 2018
Kayafas comes from a vineyard which is nearly fifty years old, near the village of Trilofos. An inspiring wine of truly remarkable depth and complexity, the Kayafas sits at the pinnacle of the Apostolos Thymiopoulos’ Xinomavro range, along with the Vrana Petra. A truly special vineyard.
Vrana Petra Xinomavro 2018
Impressive depth of flavour, concentrated, dark fruits, silky, with a smoky edge and good use of oak. Young with ageing potential, this wine is a showpiece of excellent Greek wine making, and sits at the pinnacle of Apostolos Thymiopoulous’ Xinomavro range, accompanying the Kayafas.
