Askos is a tranquil little village on the outskirts of Thessaloniki, 500 meters up the eastern slope of Mount Vertsiko. In this beautiful part of the country – where, like the rest of Macedonia, wine-making has ancient roots – the Arvanitidis family created its winery on the site of an older facility in 1999, led by agronomist Thanasis Arvanitidis and his brother, Giorgos. The siblings use organic practices to cultivate their vineyards, planted with Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Xinomavro and Malagousia, as well as a smaller quantity of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Montepulciano.

The first label they produced was a Chardonnay that was launched in 2003 and was awarded that same year. And quite rightly too, as it is such a voluminous wine, with an incredible bouquet and a pleasant acidity. Their first Merlot hit the market in 2006, followed by a Syrah in 2007 and more recently a Xinomavro. The latter is a particularly difficult grape, but incredibly charismatic when it succeeds. The brothers saw it as a challenge – one in which they excelled.

Today the vineyard has grown to 5 hectares and production comes to almost 100,000 bottles a year.

Try:

Arvanitidis Xinomavro This is a single-vineyard wine that is aged for 12 months in oak barrels to bring out its wonderful rich flavor of red-fruit aromas (plum and sour cherry) and tomato notes.

Pair with:

Grilled meat, tomato-based casseroles, meat with spicy sauces, game, traditional pies, meatballs and strong cheeses.

Visit: http://www.arvanitidis-winery.gr