Boutari Naoussa 2014

Winery: Boutari

Grapes: Xinomavro

Region: Naoussa

Regional styles: Naoussa Red

Food pairing: Pasta · Game (deer, venison) · Mature and hard cheese

This Xinomavro based wine was clear red in the glass with a hint of orange. Balsamic and citronella on the nose (or is that the mosquito candle?). A very dry wine that has medium acidity and a tartness that disappear with the meal. Cranberry and boysenberry with a bit of cedar and white pepper on the finish. The wine was very good with our pork souvlaki and tomato, olive, cucumber salad. Without food, look out!

My first Greek wine and quite a disappointment. A volatile nose of acetone and nail polish, ammonia, new leather and stale mushrooms. The palate was structural but had very little fruit, which was to be expected from this style, but unread of the savoury notes it was trying for it produced harsh medicine and chemicals. This may be a poor bottle, or a bad vintage.