Xynomavro (ZEE-no-mav-ro)

Sometimes spelled xinomavro. From xyno, acid, and mavro, black. Greece’s most intense, well-respected red grape. Probably originated near the Naoussa region in northern Greece and still used to make the wine called Naoussa, one of the best Greek reds. Also used in blends to make many other impressive Greek wines including Gouménissa and Rapsáni.

The word sauvignon comes from the French words sauvage and vigne, meaning wild vine. What does wild refer to?

A. The fact that the variety predates the domestication of grape vines.

B. The fact that the variety belongs to the species Vitis sauvagea.

C. The wild and riotous way the vines grow.

D. The fact that wild animals love to eat grapes from this variety.

Sauvignon is a fitting name for a vine that, if left to its own devices, would grow with riotous abandon. Sauvignon blanc is a high vigor variety which can grow with almost jungle-like speed.

The Nose Knows

The smell of a wine is often referred to as its aroma, bouquet, or nose (an old British-ism that combines the two). Technically, however, aroma and bouquet are completely different. Aroma is used to describe… Continue reading

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