Naoussa

Not to be confused with the village on the Aegean island of Paros bearing the same name, Naoussa is a region in the hills of Macedonia, northern Greece. It is a fascinating region with great potential to produce very high quality wines. There are many reasons for this, chief amongst them the mountainous terrain of Mount Vermion, on whose eastern slopes all the vineyards are planted at altitudes of 150 to 300m above sea level. The best of these face south or southeast, with underlying soils rich in limestone and clay. It may seem peculiar that this region is considered “cool climate”, given the searing heat of the country, but in certain areas of Naoussa, grapes struggle to ripen in relatively continental climates.

Xinomavro is Macendonia’s flagship grape variety, which excels in Naoussa. The structured, acidic and tannic wines bear more than a passing resemblance to Nebbiolo grown in Barolo. Indeed, many thought there was a genetic connection until DNA testing disproved this theory. There are many further similarities between Naoussa and Barolo, and the qualities of the wines they produce, including the topography and variation between vineyards. It is no surprise, then, that many great things are expected of Naoussa.