Thymiopoulos Terra Petra 2020

Drink it now or cellar for 10 years. No need to decant. Apostolos Thymiopoulos is certainly one of the most interesting Greek wine producers. With more than ten years behind him, it is possible to verify the progress made and the accuracy of his choices year after year. In Naoussa, the main grape is Xinomavro, a difficult grape with strong acidity and firm tannins, which can quickly turn out to be rustic and somehow hostile. Yet Thymiopoulos is capable of producing extraordinarily fine wines, with a vein of ripe tannin always under control, and perfectly integrated into the fruit palette. These are deep and complex wines, which can evolve wonderfully and develop irresistible notes of black truffles. The Terra Petra of the Thymiopoulos estate is a cuvée of 70% Xinomavro, 30% Stavroto, and Krassato, coming from the Rapsani appellation, about fifty kilometers south of Naoussa, at the foot of Mount Olympus, at about 600 m altitude). The grapes are grown on shale soils, composed of quartz and clayey-calcareous, and, after 1 month of maceration, the wine ages in 500l vats and barrels for 18 months. It is a very elegant red wine that displays a complex and intriguing aromatic palette with delightful floral notes. On the palate, the wine has a broad flavor. It is fresh, and has nice tannins that enhance the fruity character. Have it with duck breast or roasted guinea fowl.

Price: £17.82 from 8wines UK