Kourtis estate begun the professional vinification in 2006 with Xinomavro being the flagship of their production.
The Xinomavro variety with homeland Macedonia and generally North Greece, can provide top quality and rare finesse wines that enjoy international recognition and acceptance.
Is in fact, the second Greek variety after Assyrtiko cultivated abroad. The wines from Xinomavro
claimed to resemble those of the famous Nebbiolo variety of Piemonte.
Naoussa and Amynteo produce wines exclusively from Xinomavro while in Goumenissa and Rapsani is mixed with
other varieties. The wines of these four regions belong to corresponding viticultural zones of Protected Designation Origin.
However, there are excellent results of single-variety Xinomavro and in other regions such as Siatista, Velvento, Mount Athos, Kastoria and Pieria.
Wine’s Characteristics
Kourtis Estate, Xinomavro 2017, PGI Pieria
Red, dry, organic wine
Origin & Identity
In Rachi, Pieria, from the organic vineyard of Apostolos Kourtis originates one of the most expressive Xinomavro of Macedonia that balances between the modern and the classical school. At an altitude of 300m between Mount Olympus and
Pieria Mountains with continental climate and sloping lands with good drainage, the Kourtis Estate has one of the best terroirs for quality production.
The low acreage yield but also the strict selection of grapes, combined with the morning harvest, guarantee it’s excellent result in the glass.
Wine description
Deep ruby color.
Aromatically complex nose with red cherry fruit,
blueberry, plum and pomegranate, blend harmoniously with dried tomato and olive leaves on a background of earth tones.
Dry in the mouth, with a medium to full body. The stressed acidity masterfully balances with the fruit and its 14.5 alcohol degrees.
Its stay after fermentation in oak French barrels for 12 months rounds out the generous tannins while the aromas of the nose framed by vanilla, pepper, wet soil and dried herbs are present.
Elegant and long lasting aftertaste that gives the stigma of one exceptionally well-made wine.
Harmony with Food
Give it time to breathe in a decanter.
Its robust structure allows it to comfortably accompany any dish of the local cuisine such as village sausages or black pork pancetta with plums baked in a wood oven.
Try it also with soutzoukakia from Smyrni or an eggplant ragout in the oven.
The classic beef bourguignon will take on another dimension as well as a delicious mushroom stew with chestnuts and chickpeas.
Bold combinations are always interesting, savour it with a grilled salmon.
To maximise enjoyment I suggest the excellent dish of chef Konstantinos Kovaios, pork fillet with forest fruits and red wine sauce.
The Xinomavro of the Kourtis Estate can definitely age at your cellar for the next ten years,evoking memories of the 2017 harvest, with the opening of the bottle.
About the Author
Nikos Politis works in Efpan, a company importing Spanish wines- products and distribution network of Spanish and Greek wines.
Sommelier in Acropolis Chef’s Club of Attica.
He worked for a company exporting and distributing Greek wines in China.
He was employed in the exports department of Cantina Roeno, an Italian Winery based in Brentino Belluno, in Verona.
Studied in WSPC– Wine & Spirit Professional Center.
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