Boutari Naoussa (75cl, 13%)

Boutari Naoussa is a red wine made entirely from Xinomavro, from PDO Naoussa in Greece. The fruit undergoes 24-hour cold maceration, followed by controlled alcoholic fermentation at 20-27°C using selected yeast strains. Extraction is gentle, with few pump-overs over 7 to 10 days and no pressings in the final blend. After malolactic fermentation the wine ages for 12 months in French oak barrels on their fifth and sixth use. The nose opens with fresh black cherry and sour cherry, with earthy, peppery undertones and, with air, sun-dried tomato, black olive and a faint botanical note. The entry is bright with tart cherry and plum, with firm but silky tannins, dried herb, sage and gentle oak spice. The finish is medium-long, with black pepper, smoke and lingering cherry.