Thymiopoulos, Xinomavro, Macedonia, Greece, 2018

Apostolos Thymiopoulos is one of Greece's most talented winemakers, making a range of accomplished Xinomavro reds. This one is 25% whole-bunch pressed, from fruit grown at 200m to 500m altitude, and is a good introduction to the native grape. It lacks the pronounced sundried tomato character that some Xinomavro wines have, but there's still an attractive red berry and cherry fragrance and juiciness, and a lightness of touch. This would make a great Pinot Noir alternative, served very slightly chilled.