2013 Argatia - Xinomavro Naoussa (750ml)

Argatia is a small, family-run winery in Rodochori, a mountain village roughly twelve kilometers northwest of Naoussa in northern Greece. It was founded in 2000 by Panagiotis Georgiadis and his wife Haroula Spinthiropoulou, an agronomist and viticulture specialist who has spent her career studying and championing Greece's indigenous grape varieties. The winery takes its name from a Pontic Greek word describing communal cooperation in agricultural work, a fitting nod to its roots and philosophy.

The vineyards sit at elevations near 500 meters on the slopes of Mount Vermio, where Xinomavro has long been considered the signature grape of Naoussa. Farming follows organic, low-intervention principles, with limited yields and careful attention to the vine's naturally high tannin and acidity. This 2013 bottling was aged in barrel, a traditional approach for Naoussa PDO wines meant to soften Xinomavro's firm structure while allowing its fruit and earthy character to develop over time.

Xinomavro is often compared to Nebbiolo for its combination of high acidity, firm tannin, and aromatic complexity, and this wine follows that pattern with notes of sour cherry, dried tomato, olive, and a hint of leather. The palate is medium bodied with a long, savory finish. It pairs naturally with roast lamb, aged cheeses, or tomato-based dishes.