Macedonia - Regions
Naoussa
The Naoussa wine region, nestled in the heart of Central Macedonia, Greece, is renowned for its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Naoussa wines, made exclusively from the Xinomavro grape variety. This region, lying on the eastern foothills of Mount Vermion, presents a captivating landscape marked by verdant forests and abundant natural springs.
In Naoussa, the PDO recognition, established in 1971, underscores the unique identity of its wines. These wines are robust and full-bodied, known for their complex aromas that merge red fruits like sour cherry, berry, or pomegranate with hints of mushroom, smoke, olives, spices, or dried tomatoes. Aging in bottles and oak barrels imparts additional qualities, adding scents such as cloves, cinnamon, allspice, or vanilla.
The vineyards of Naoussa are situated at elevations ranging from 150 to 400 meters, offering optimal conditions for Xinomavro grapes. The best sites are sheltered from the strong, cold northern and western winds, yet the region maintains relatively cool temperatures. The wines from Naoussa are celebrated for their high acidity and tannins, aromatic complexity, and potential for aging for decades. They are predominantly mid-priced, with several premium examples available, and their quality ranges from good to outstanding.
Naoussa’s wine-making tradition initially involved aging in large old wooden vessels, which resulted in wines with pronounced spicy and meaty aromas. In the 1990s, a shift occurred with some producers using new French oak barriques, leading to firmer tannins, more body, and oaky aromas. However, a more modern style has emerged in recent years, characterized by riper fruit and techniques like cold soaking or whole-bunch fermentation, producing deeper-colored but less tannic wines.
The region's complex mix of soils and microclimates plays a crucial role in the character of its wines. Factors like aspect and topography are more influential than altitude. Significant producers in Naoussa include Thymiopoulos Vineyards and Kir-Yianni, known for their remarkable contributions to the region's viticulture.
Amynteo
The Amynteo wine region, located in the northwestern part of Macedonia, Greece, is distinguished for its unique viticultural characteristics. This region, situated on the opposite northwestern side of Mount Vermio, features vineyards at higher altitudes than Naoussa, ranging between 570 and 750 meters. This elevated position exposes the vineyards to cool northerly winds, resulting in cooler summers and cold winters. Such climatic conditions are crucial for the distinctive profile of Amynteo wines.
About 50% of the vineyards in Amynteo are located between the Petres and Vegoritida lakes. The presence of these water bodies significantly influences the area's microclimate, creating favorable conditions for viticulture. However, proximity to the lakes also raises humidity levels, which can increase the risk of rot and necessitates careful yield control to ensure proper grape ripening. Spring frost is also a potential challenge in this region.
Amynteo is recognized for its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for red, rosé, and uniquely rosé sparkling wines, all made exclusively from the Xinomavro grape variety, locally known as Mavro Naoussis. The Xinomavro wines from Amynteo are typically lighter in body and lower in tannins than those from Naoussa, often exhibiting a distinctive floral quality. The region's diverse soil composition, including sandy soils that have remained phylloxera-free, contributes to the existence of old vine stocks, which produce more concentrated wines.
The winemaking style in Amynteo has evolved, with some producers now focusing on creating riper, more accessible styles of wine. The region's wines are generally mid-priced and range from good to very good in quality, with some outstanding examples. One of the significant producers in the area is Alpha Estate.
Amynteo's terroir, surrounded by mountains like Kaimaktsalan and Vitsi, comprises sandy clay and sandy loam soils. This region is known for its red wines and unique white and sparkling rosé PDO wines, a rarity in Greece.
The Côtes de Meliton
The Côtes de Meliton, or PDO Slopes of Meliton, is a fascinating wine region in the Sithonia peninsula, in the central part of the Halkidiki region in Macedonia, Greece. This appellation is distinctive for being one of the first in Greece to include foreign grape varieties in its PDO designation.
Covering around 475 hectares, the vineyards of Côtes de Meliton are terraced along the Aegean coast on the western slopes of Mount Meliton. This region has a unique history; the vineyards were replanted in the early 1960s with guidance from French oenologist Professor Émile Peynaud.
Côtes de Meliton is known for both red and white wines. The red wines are particularly notable for including the Limnio grape variety, a native red grape of northern Greece, and internationally recognized varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The white wines from this region typically contain Athiri, Assyrtiko, and Roditis varieties. The area's sole ownership by Domaine Carras adds to its distinct character.
The terroir of the PDO Slopes of Meliton, including its Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights, plays a significant role in the cultivation of a range of grape varieties. The region's vineyards, situated at altitudes between 350 and 1000 feet, benefit from the unique interaction of the grapevines with the surrounding environment, resulting in grapes that strike a balance between ripeness and acidity.
The diversity of grapes in Côtes de Meliton includes 28 varieties, including international favorites like Merlot and Syrah and the nearly extinct local variety Malagousia, which has been revived by local winemakers.
Winegrowing in Côtes de Meliton is an art that requires patience and precision, with vineyards being meticulously tended to ensure the highest quality of grapes. The wines from this region are known for their versatility and structure, making them suitable for pairing with various Mediterranean dishes.
The Goumenissa
The Goumenissa wine region, located in the northwestern part of Macedonia, Greece, is known for its distinctive and high-quality wines. This lesser-known appellation is situated near the town of Goumenissa on the western slopes of Mount Paiko. The region's vineyards, renowned for their unique soil types and grape varieties, contribute to a wine style that is unique not only in Greece but also globally.
The primary grape varieties grown in Goumenissa are Xinomavro and Negoska. Negoska, a local red grape, complements Xinomavro in producing the region's distinguished wines. The combination of these two varieties, along with specific production methods employed by local winemakers, results in wines that are highly regarded for their quality and distinctiveness.
The Goumenissa region has been an important center for wine production for centuries, dating back to the early Ottoman rule. The Boutari winery, established in 1984, played a significant role in developing winemaking in the area. The vineyard, cultivated according to organic farming standards, was planted in 1991 and is known for its dense planting, continental climate, and limestone soils with good drainage. The vineyard grows Xinomavro and Negoska and experiments with other varieties like Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wines from Goumenissa are recognized for their distinct flavor profiles that stem from the unique combination of soil, climate, and grape varieties. The region, offering an array of wines with distinction and class, invites wine enthusiasts to explore its exemplary offerings.
