All about Naoussa, Central Macedonia.

The History of Greek red wine begins…at the Boutari Winery in Naoussa!

A guided tour in the production area, the historical cellar of the Winery and a unique multimedia show, are the best introduction to the history and philosophy of the Boutari company. The history of the company began there, 130 years ago, promoting Greek wine in Greece and abroad, while it has played a leading role in the development of the Greek winemaking ever since.

This is where the wine-vaults are located, an innovative service for consumers store and maintain wines in perfect condition in a personal vault at the Boutari winery; we can also find old vintages (the oldest Greek red wines in the country) and one of the largest cellars of aged wines with over 3,000 barrels.

Location

The Boutari Winery, a historic Greek Winery, is situated in Naoussa, one of the most beautiful regions of Macedonia, on the eastern foothills of Mount Vermio. This winery constitutes an important landmark in the evolution of wine, in one of its most important homelands, Macedonia.

Identity

The history of viticulture in the Naoussa zone in Northern Greece begins in the distant past. The Boutari company played a decisive role, not only in preserving the local Xinomavro variety, when viticulture had almost been abandoned, but also in establishing and promoting this variety and the VQPRD zone of Naoussa, through exceptional and legendary wines.

The Boutari company created a group of contracted producers of selected vineyards in the region and took over the management of the group. This action led to the classification of the vineyards at qualitative levels, which was considered a model for Greek standards.

Its vineyards are located on the sunny south-east slopes of Mount Vermio, protected by the cold northern winds. The abundant rainfall and the relatively cool climate play a beneficial role in the development and fruit-bearing of the vines. The soils are marl (clay loam), calcium-rich, ideal for producing wines with a rich body.

The Xinomavro red variety (VQPRD Naoussa) produces exceptional red wines apt to ageing and many different types of wine with their own particular characteristics.

During the ‘80s, the cultivation of the foreign varieties Merlot and Syrah also began; their results were impressive and led to the creation of single-variety wines and to wonderful blends with Xinomavro. This has proven the potential of the vineyard and its further development in the future.

Please see HERE the official Boutari Naoussa website.

Please click HERE for prices & retailers near you.

The Boutari Naoussa wines tasted by GrapeRover:

2011 Boutari Nouveau, PGI Imathia, 80 points.

100% syrah.

Regional: Spetsofai. World: spicy sausages in wine, meatballs, fingerfood, pastas, grilled pork, chorizo, salami, young cheeses.

Bright, strong red colour, with blue and violet hues that reveal its young age. Intense, fresh bouquet which unfolds the aromas of strawberry, blackberry, rose, pomegranate and banana, with a pleasant note of cinnamon and pepper. In the mouth it combines freshness and vivacity, with a rich, full taste. Fresh, soft, balanced with a good structure. It is distinguished by its cool character, strong fruity aroma of strawberry and pepper and its long-lasting aromatic aftertaste. Serve at 12-14 C.

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2010 Boutari Merlot, PGI Imathia, 83 points.

100% merlot.

12 months French oak.

Regional: Macedonian Pork. World: grilled prime meat, game, casseroles, hearty dishes, hard cheeses.

Impressive deep red colour and intense aroma of red fruit, dominated by strawberry, blackberry and sweet spices, such as vanilla and cinnamon. Very good structure, balance, fatty and excellent aftertaste.

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2010 Boutari Syrah, PGI Imathia, 83 points.

100% syrah.

12 months French oak.

Regional: Simit Kebab. World: Spicy casseroles, game, innards, roasted meat, lamb & kid, matured hard cheeses.

Impressive ruby red colour, rich aroma of red forest fruit with blackberry and wild cherry prevalent, and a spicy character, dominated by the aromas of wood, pepper and smoke. Exceptional structure, rich body, intense tannins and a long aftertaste.

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2009 Boutari Naoussa, PDO Naoussa. 88 points.

100% xinomavro.

12 months French oak.

Regional: Lamb chops. World: grilled prime meat, game, casseroles, hearty dishes, hard cheeses.

Typical, classic wine of Naoussa. Deep red colour with an intense personality. It produces a rich bouquet of ripe red fruit, blackberry and plum, together with sun-dried tomato and the aromas derived from ageing, cinnamon and wood. A rich body, good balance and structure, soft tannins in its finish.

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2009 Boutari Naoussa Reserve, PDO Naoussa. 87 points.

100% xinomavro.

18 months French oak.

Regional: Slow roasted goat. World: grilled prime meat, game, casseroles, hearty dishes, hard cheeses

Black berries, some red berries and preserved cherries on the nose, integrated oak. Dark fruit and quite noticeable oak on the palate, light roasted notes and some dark chocolate, slightly dusty and astringent tannins, smoky notes, fairly persistent, but not particularly deep, attractive finish.

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2008 Boutari Naoussa Grande Reserve, PDO Naoussa. 90 points.

100% xinomavro.

24 months French oak.

Regional: Mousto-Balsamico Flank steak. World: grilled prime meat, game, roast beef, fillet mignon, hearty cheeses.

A rich wine with a deep red colour and terracotta tints. The sweet aromas of dried fruit, dominated by tomato and fig, blend with the aromas of ageing, like cinnamon, vanilla, wood and spices. A potent wine, with a body characterized by an abundance of mature tannins, a result of the long ageing process. Lasting aftertaste.

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2008 Boutari Naoussa Cava, PGI Macedonia. 88 points.

40% Xinomavro, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah

18 months French oak.

Regional: Baked eggplant & beef. World: grilled prime meat, game, roast beef, fillet mignon, hearty cheeses.

Deep red colour with terracotta tints, a rich bouquet from ageing, with distinct aromas of dried fruit, plum, fig, and forest fruit jam. These co-exist with sweet spices, with vanilla dominating. Rich taste, excellent balance, complexity and long aftertaste.