KTIMA GEROVASSILIOU | Xinomavro | 2022
xynomavro

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Today we are going to review a quite intriguing rosé wine the Thessaloniki area of the Epanomi wine region of Greece – Xinomavro 2022 by Ktima Gerovassiliou. This is an organic rosé wine, made only with xinomavro grapes and aged for several months on fine lees, thus gaining more body and structure – a wine that has been awarded a silver medal at Decanter World Wine Awards, which is one of the most prestigious wine tasting competitions. Xinomavro is an indigenous greek grape variety that originated in Macedonia, and which has adapted well to the microclimate of Epanomi in Northern Greece. Xinomavro is often regarded as the ‘Barolo of Greece‘ – it is pale ruby in color and with a high tannic content, thus the resulting wines are austere in their youth. Rosé itself is a bizarre wine category, as it isn’t exactly a red wine, nor is it a white wine – it is something in between. The secret to the pinkish hue of the rosé wine is found in the skins of the red grapes and more exactly in the anthocyanin pigments. When making a red wine, the skins spend the entire fermentation in contact with the juice, for rosé however the process is shortened, for example pinot noir usually spends around 4 to 6 hours on the skins, to produce its trademark pale salmon hue, while cabernet sauvignon needs only a few minutes to make that rich, deep-pink color. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: pale peach color
clarity: bright salmon hues

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & juicy
fruit character: ripe

This rosé wine boasts an inviting bouquet that bursts with ripe berry fruits. A medley of cranberries, redcurrants and raspberries takes center stage, followed by a subtle earthiness that emerges from within, with notes of sand and clay, hinting at rustic charm with savory nuances in the background. This interplay between bright fruits and intriguing savory tones creates a truly captivating nose, suggesting a well-balanced and intriguing wine.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol:  medium+ | tannin:  medium- | balance: good
finish: medium- | aftertaste: crisp & refreshing

The wine’s palate lives up to the promise set up by the nose, showcasing a rich and heady character. A burst of ripe berry fruits is met by crisp acidity that invigorates and cleanses the palate. A touch of ripe tannins add some structure and extra grip on the mouthfeel, while a hint of warmth from the alcohol lingers on the finish. Despite its richness, the crisp acidity keeps all the other elements in balance, thus forming a refreshingly-crisp aftertaste.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a quite appealing rosé wine

Overall, this rosé wine presents a fascinating paradox: the nose is undeniably rich and captivating, bursting with ripe berry fruits and intriguing savory hints, while the palate offers a slightly heady mouthfeel, supported by crisp acidity and a touch of phenolic bitterness that linger on to the finish. While this rosé might not achieve the most refined elegance, it certainly delivers a refreshing wine tasting experience, perfect for enjoying on a warm summer evening. This is a wine for those seeking a bold and expressive rosé that prioritizes richness over finesse.

//Scoring
KTIMA GEROVASSILIOU | Xinomavro | 2022
variety: xynomavro
country: Greece | Macedonia
region: Epanomi | Thessaloniki
rating: 92.2
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This is definitely a fine wine of Greece and, with a total of 92.2 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Given this rosé wine’s firm structure and rich fruit character, supported by crisp acidity and a slightly heady mouthfeel, we believe it will make a perfect fit for grilled fish like tuna or salmon, where the wine’s acidity can cut through the richness and fat of the dish. The subtle earthy hints in the wine would complement the flavours of the grilled vegetables, while that touch of phenolic bitterness in the wine would counter-balance the fat content and smooth textures of the fish. This pairing would allow the wine’s expressive fruit to shine and its crispness to cleanse the palate after each bite, making for a delightful tasting experience. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.