Dalamára Xinomavro/ Merlot 'Ayehoros' 2023

Kostis Dalamara is a sixth-generation winemaker in Naoussa, a historic region in Macedonia associated with aromatic, ageworthy Xinomavro. After spending time at Domaines Trapet, Giboulot, and Clos du Rouge Gorge – producers known for their traditional farming and winemaking methods – Kostis introduced organics, spontaneous fermentations, and reduced sulphur dioxide levels when taking over his family’s estate in 2010. You probably won't find a better introduction to Greece's most important red grape variety than in Dalamara's Naoussa Xinomavro. This - all red cherry, savoury black olive and tomato leaf, supported by firm, fresh tannins - shows exactly why this grape variety is often compared with Nebbiolo. Although in an approachable place already, give it five years to show off its full swagger.