Chamlija — Xinomavro 2021

A genuine surprise during a comprehensive Xinomavro exploration: the 2021 Xinomavro from Chamlija hails from the Strandscha Mountains in Turkey. Made via open-top fermentation and aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, this wine challenges preconceptions. While you might initially expect it to mirror the style of the cool-climate Amyndeo wines, it actually shares more common ground with the natural wine approach from Drama (think Oenops' XinomavRaw). Its moderate 11% alcohol complements a light, fresh profile marked by vibrant redcurrant aromas. A charming interpretation of the variety. 91 points.