2020 Argatia - Nevma Red (750ml)

Argatia is a small, family-run winery tucked into the village of Rodochori on the slopes of Mount Vermio, about twelve kilometers from Naoussa in northern Greece. Founded in 2000 by agronomist Haroula Spinthiropoulou and her husband Panagiotis Georgiadis, the estate has since passed day-to-day operations to their son Christoforos, who trained in oenology before returning to the family project. From the start, the goal has been to rescue and showcase Greece's indigenous grape varieties through careful, low-intervention winemaking rather than chasing international styles.

Nevma sits apart from Argatia's better known Xinomavro bottlings, built instead from Negoska and Mavrodaphne, two native varieties the estate has planted experimentally alongside its main vineyards near Rodochori and Krasna. The vines are farmed organically at elevation, and the blend reflects Argatia's ongoing interest in lesser cultivated grapes that once played a larger role in Macedonian winemaking before Xinomavro came to dominate the region. Production stays small, consistent with the winery's overall modest output.

Negoska tends toward soft, ripe red fruit and gentle tannin, while Mavrodaphne contributes darker fruit, warm spice, and added depth, together giving Nevma a rounder, more approachable profile than a pure Xinomavro. Expect ripe cherry and plum framed by baking spice, with smooth tannins and a comfortable, medium body. It suits grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, or simple tomato based pasta dishes.