Xinomavro grapes are one of the most widely grown varieties in Greece, particularly on the island of Thassos in the Aegean Sea.
The vines grow very well in regions with hot dry weather and low levels of humidity. The grapes have a need for iron, which can be obtained through iron-rich soils, or by adding iron to the vine’s feeding practices.
Further, in a hot climate, Xinomavro can perform better if the vines are harvested by hand.
What Does Xinomavro Rosé Taste Like?
Xinomavro Rosé is typically a generous, well-balanced wine with some citrus and floral flavors that are sometimes reminiscent of strawberries or peaches, but they can vary in their fruit expression depending on where they come from.
The wine’s deep color comes from contact with the grape skins during the winemaking process and has a more orange-pink hue to it than most other rosés.
Xinomavro comes from Greece and is considered to be the “undisputed king of rosé wines”.
Best Xinomavro Rosé Examples
Ktima Gerovassiliou Xinomavro Rosé – This is a rosé best consumed young, as it is a fruity wine with light acidity and medium body, notes the press release. Its color has a salmon hue and hints of woodsy smoke in the finish.
It is a rather light-bodied wine with dusky red fruit flavors and an earthy palate. The wine is ideal for roasting and grilling meat, and pairs well with a variety of seafood.
Tsilis Theopetra Xinomavro Rosé – Made with the natural grape varietal Xinomavro, the wine has a unique pinkish color with berry-like fruit flavors. This is a medium-bodied wine that has soft fruity aromas and flavors reminiscent of red berries.
Its fresh taste also suggests fresh fruits such as strawberries or raspberries to complement food choices. It pairs well with a variety of seafood, grilled meat, and cheese.
Oenos Nature – This affordable rosé has a pale pink color with aromas of red berries and rose petals, according to the press release. It is made with Xinomavro grapes grown in the village of Karyes on the island Thassos.
The wine has bright raspberry and strawberry flavors, with a medium body that does not overwhelm. It is ideal for any occasion but pairs especially well with seafood or grilled meats.
Thymiopoulos Rosé de Xinomavro – This dry rosé wine displays aromas of red berry fruit and rose petals, according to the press release. The wine has a ruby color, with notes of ripe red fruit accompanied by hints of spice in its flavor palate. Xinomavro Rosé is a medium-bodied wine that pairs well with seafood and light Mediterranean cuisine, such as grilled seafood or fresh fish.
Dio Fili Xinomavro Rosé – This dry rosé wine from Greece is also made from the Xinomavro grape varietal, according to the press release. Its color has a salmon hue and its flavor palate includes hints of spice and red berries.
The wine has a medium body with soft tannins and pairs well with grilled meat, seafood, and cheese.
What Food Pairs with Xinomavro Rosé?
Xinomavro Rosé is a great match with seafood, grilled fish and vegetables, light meats, and pasta. Pair it with grilled swordfish with a zesty sauce made of tomatoes, olives, capers, and garlic. It works well with shrimp tapas and artichoke hearts filled with cheese.
You can also pair Xinomavro Rosé with:
1. Pair the Xinomavro Rosé with all kinds of seafood like grilled fish or fresh calamari. Mashed potatoes are also a great choice as they bring out the best in the fishy flavors of Xinomavro rosé.
2. Try the Xinomavro Rosé with grilled poultry or leg of lamb, game such as venison, and aged cheddar cheese, along with a side of red wine marmalade.
3. Pair the Xinomavro Rosé with any light pasta dish that can be accompanied by a salad of mixed greens and shredded carrots tossed in an olive oil vinaigrette and served with fresh lemon wedges.
4. Xinomavro Rosé is also said to be great with a spicy tomato-based seafood stew. The tannins in the Xinomavro rosé balance the spice in the stew and complement its tomato-based flavors.
5. Pair the Xinomavro Rosé with grilled beef rare or medium-rare and serve it with roasted fingerling potatoes and green beans.
6. Try the Xinomavro Rosé with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad of mixed greens tossed in an olive oil vinaigrette, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
How is Xinomavro Rosé Made?
All Xinomavro rosés are made from 100% natural, organic grapes with no added colorants. The fruit must be harvested by hand and ripened in temperature-controlled rooms in order to maintain the natural acidity of the grapes. The wine is then aged for two or three months before bottling without any filtering.
Xinomavro grapes are first pressed whole to obtain their juice and then allowed to ferment for about three weeks at a maximum temperature of 86F.
The wine is then racked into stainless steel for the next six months, at which time it receives a dose of carbon dioxide to soften the acidity in the wine and produce a light fizz.
This Xinomavro Rosé is then blended with the grape juice from the skins and bottled.
Is Xinomavro Rosé Sweet or Dry?
Most Xinomavro rosés are dry wines. Some Xinomavro Rosé can be semi-sweet though. The word “pose” on a Greek wine label does not denote whether the wine is sweet or dry, but rather its sweetness level. The word “pose” means to be lightly sweetened, so wines with this label are more likely to be semi-dry, while the word “kerasími” denotes a drier wine with no sweetener added.
Grapes come from a wide variety of climates, which dictate the sugar content in the wine. Xinomavro rosé from Thassos is said to be on the sweeter side, with residual sugar levels of six grams per liter or less.
Summary
Xinomavro rosé is an affordable, dry rosé perfect for outdoor parties as it pairs well with grilled meat and seafood. Xinomavro wines are a great value for money, yet their country of origin and grape varietal signify quality.
These wines have a full, rich flavor that best complements seafood and fresh vegetables. Xinomavro rosés are the perfect way to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends or to host a casual al-fresco dinner.