Dalamara Naoussa Xinomavro 'Paliokalias' 2020

Limited availability – max. 2 bottles per customer

Growing grapes in western Macedonia for almost two centuries, the Dalamara family were instrumental in helping Naoussa become Greece’s first wine appellation in 1971. Now, sixth-generation Kostis is cementing the domaine as one of the finest producers in Greece, with the single-vineyard ‘Paliokalias’ among the region’s flagship wines.

After studying in Beaune, Kostis worked at Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin and Clos du Rouge Gorge in the Roussillon before taking over from his father in 2010. Alongside his wife Maria, he farms of 6ha of Xinomavro on the slopes of Mount Vermio just outside the town of Naoussa. Biodynamic since 2008, the domaine is a beacon of self-sufficiency under Kostis, who produces his own fertiliser on the farm and harnesses solar energy to power the winery.
 
While the domaine’s brilliant value Naoussa Xinomavro is a mainstay on the wine lists of Noble Rot, we are thrilled to offer the latest release of Dalamara’s flagship wine, ‘Paliokalias’, which is only produced in the best vintages. The vineyard encompasses seven different terroirs, including a block of pre-phylloxera vines planted in the 1920s, and has been described by Greek Master of Wine Yiannias Karakasis as Naoussa’s Grand Cru.
 
After fermentation in stainless steel, ‘Paliokalias’ is aged in large oak barrels for 12 months and bottled without filtration. With layers of fresh cherry, sun-dried tomato, and smoky minerality, it combines the aromatic finesse of Pinot Noir with the structure of Nebbiolo, and can age effortlessly for decades.
 
Greece is finally capturing the attention of fine wine lovers and ‘Paliokalias’ is undoubtedly one of its rarest and most complex reds.

Lively, wild-edged red and black fruit, black tea, and incense alongside fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Savoury complexity emerges with time in bottle. Drink to 2040+.

17 Points, Jancis Robinson