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Xinomavro

The red grape variety originates from Greece. Synonyms are Black Naousa, Csinomavro, Mavro, Mavro Goumenissas, Mavro Naoussis, Mavro Naoustino, Mavro Xyno, Naouses Mavro, Naoussis Mavro, Naoustiano, Naoystiro Mavro, Negroska Popolka, Niaousa, Niasoustino, Pipoliko, Pipolka, Popoliko, Popolka, Xinogaltso, Xynomavro Bolgar, Xynomavron, Xynomavro Naoussis, Xynomavro of Náoussa, Zinomavro and Zynomavro. The synonym Naoussis Mavro and similar ones (meaning "blacks from Naoussa") indicate its probable place of origin in Macedonia.

Xinomavro - Weintraube und Blatt

It is distinguished into at least three varieties (clones), which differ somewhat ampelographically. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it originated from a presumably natural cross between Gouais Blanc x unknown partner. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see molecular genetics for details). The close relationship to the Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir varieties suspected by Pierre Galet (1921-2019) has therefore not been confirmed. The late-ripening vine is susceptible to downy mildew and botrytis, and to a lesser extent to powdery mildew. It yields dark-colored, acid-emphasized red wines with aging potential, which is also indicated by the name "Saure Schwarze" (sour black).

The wines usually have a characteristic metallic aroma, which can be reminiscent of iron or even blood and iodine, and can still be detected in cuvées. With age, aromas of strawberries, plums, tomatoes, olives and dried fruit develop. This versatile variety is used for the production of red wines, rosés and also sparkling wines, which are aged from dry to sweet. It is particularly widespread in northern Greece in the region of Macedonia, where it plays a determining role in wines from the appellations of Amynteo, Goumenissa and Naoussa. In the region of Thessaly, it is permitted in the Rapsani appellation. In 2016, a total of 2,135 hectares of vines were reported, with an increasing trend (Kym Anderson statistics).

Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)

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