Thymiopoulos Kayafas 2020
Thymiopoulos Kayafas 2020 is a dry, full-bodied red from Xinomavro (Macedonia, Greece), in the medium, savoury reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity very high; oak influence is little. Good with lamb, Greek food, bolognese, pizza. Drink now or within 20 years (to about 2046). Decant for about 1 hour. Critic score 95/100 (merchant-reported). Cheapest offer £50.09 at 8wines UK.
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalamara Paliokalias 2022 Dalamara · Naoussa | £38.78 | |||
| Markovitis Xinomavro 2021 Markovitis · Naoussa | £25.10 | |||
| Poderi Colla Dardi Le Rose Barolo Bussia 2021 Poderi CollaPoderi Colla · Piedmont | £50.93 | |||
| Nervi Conterno Gattinara 2015 Giacomo Conterno · Piedmont | £50.96 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Thimiopoulos Winery was founded in the early 2000s by Apostolos Thymiopoulos, widely known as the Grand Master of Xinomavro, Greece's most iconic red grape variety. His winery owns vineyards in the southeastern corner of the Naoussa PDO region and also produces a series of single-vineyard wines that reflect the diversity of the area's terroir. The Xinomavro grapes come from the single vineyard Kayafas, located at an altitude of 180 meters near the village of Trilofos. Here, the vines, over forty years old, are rooted in calcareous soils and enjoy a warm climate refreshed by cool breezes from the sea and the Vermio mountain. These conditions favor the perfect phenolic ripening of Xinomavro and contribute to its aromatic development. After harvest, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts (20% whole-bunch), and the finished wine then ages in 500-liter oak barrels for a year. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense and deep ruby color with bright purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is rich and complex, with notes of red currant, raspberry, black cherry, and strawberry, followed by hints of lavender, bell pepper, and tomato, on a background of licorice, tea, and nutmeg. On the palate, it is full-bodied and balanced with a refreshing acidity and ripe tannins. The finish is long and complex. Try it with roast lamb or beef bourguignon.