Νάουσα (Naoussa)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Highly complex relief: elevations of 80–350 m, with great variety in combinations of aspect, orientation, and slope.
• Geological diversity: serpentines, dolerites, ασβεστόλιθοι of the Pelagonian zone, red σχιστόλιθοι, travertines, and Plio-Pleistocene conglomerates.
• Soils of the Alfisols, Entisols, and Inceptisols orders — medium to heavy in texture with high water-holding capacity.
• Temperate μεσογειακό κλίμα with continental tendencies (Köppen): rainfall ~650 mm, >2,000 sunshine hours, and significant water deficit during the growing season.
• Thirteen distinct soil sub-zones are identified, with a Huglin Index ranging from 2,200 to 2,860, reflecting extreme climatic variability within the appellation.

• The ΠΟΠ Νάουσα was formally established in 1971 by governmental decree, designating Ξινόμαυρο as the sole permitted variety and mandating ageing in oak barrels.
• As early as the beginning of the 20th century, producers had already introduced a seal-label of authenticity and an early quality-based classification of vineyards.

• Γάστρα wines: deep in colour, full-bodied, firm tannins, aromas of red forest fruits, spices, and smoke; strong ageing potential.
• Ράμνιστα: complex aromatic profile (smoke, jam, honey, plum), elevated anthocyanin richness, and exceptional ageing potential.

• The diversity of soils and climate creates multiple terroir units that shape the expression of Ξινόμαυρο.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• National product specification (PDF) — ypaat
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-GR-A1610
• Official trade body site — VAENI Naoussa — Cooperative Winery of Naoussa