Greek estates to know: Thymiopoulos, Tetramythos, Sarris
The Greek wine renaissance now rests on high-altitude terroirs and indigenous grape varieties such as Xinomavro, whose structure recalls that of the greatest crus of Piedmont. Yet you can easily miss this finesse if you stick to the usual clichés about over-extracted or simplistic Mediterranean wines.
We invite you to explore the work of Apostolos Thymiopoulos and his peers to understand how these winegrowers are redefining Hellenic elegance. This guide will help you tell the mineral styles of Kefalonia apart from the structured reds of Naoussa, so you can fine-tune your next selections.
Why the Thymiopoulos estate is redefining Greek standards
Apostolos Thymiopoulos makes biodynamic Xinomavro wines in Naoussa. His single-plot cuvées, grown on schist and granite at up to 650 metres above sea level, put mineral tension and freshness first, highlighting the geological influence of the area.
A noble grape variety from northern Greece. It offers firm tannins, high acidity and notes of sun-dried tomato.
How altitude and soils shape the finesse of the wines
Terroirs of schist, marl and granite sculpt deep aromatic profiles. These complex soils give the wines a unique mineral structure.
Altitude of up to 650 metres preserves vibrant acidity. Discover this balance with the cuvée Thymiopoulos - Alta Naoussa - 2024.
The continental climate encourages slow ripening. The grapes thus keep their liveliness.
Biodynamics as a precision tool in Macedonia
Apostolos Thymiopoulos favours respect for living things and minimal intervention. His philosophy expresses the purity of wild fruit.
Xinomavro is a wild grape that we seek to tame through the gentleness of biodynamic farming and minimal intervention in the cellar.
Natural winemaking tames the power of the tannins. This process ensures silky textures.
The family heritage ensures a lasting transition. Every bottle reflects a sincere commitment to the environment.
Greek estates to know – Thymiopoulos, Tetramythos and Sarris – embody this revival. Le Baroudeur du Vin remains the go-to address for wines from around the world, online and in its shop in Lyon.
Thymiopoulos - OenosNature Naoussa - 2022
Now that you understand the foundations of the estate, let's look at this cuvée, which expresses the purity of the fruit without artifice. This bottle of Thymiopoulos - OenosNature Naoussa - 2022 embodies a natural, approachable take on Greek terroir. In it you will discover a sincere expression of the Xinomavro grape.
The nose reveals notes of small red berries and gentle spices. The winemaking relies on native yeasts to preserve the wine's identity. The palate is juicy, lively and particularly well balanced.
At the table, choose red meats or rich dishes. This wine also shows beautifully with rich cheeses. It is an essential reference among the Greek estates to know: Thymiopoulos, Tetramythos and Sarris.
Thymiopoulos - Kayafas - 2019: the pure elegance of Xinomavro
While Oenos Nature is all about fruit, the Kayafas cuvée explores a deeper, more structured dimension of the terroir. This wine comes from the lieu-dit of the same name, home to 50-year-old vines. You can discover this singular expression with Thymiopoulos - Kayafas - 2019.
The aromatic profile is complex, with notes of truffle and spice. The whole shows remarkable elegance and finesse on the palate. Here the Greek estates to know – Thymiopoulos, Tetramythos and Sarris – confirm their exceptional savoir-faire.
This great wine has impressive ageing potential. It will develop beautifully in your cellar over the next fifteen years.
Thymiopoulos - Aftorizo - 2020: the strength of old vines
The quest for single-plot expression reaches its peak with Aftorizo, a true jewel of the estate.
The name Aftorizo refers to ungrafted vines. These Xinomavro vines thrive on their own roots. This feature offers rare genetic purity. The terroir of Fytia expresses itself without any filter.
The term Aftorizo refers to vines not grafted onto American rootstock, a rarity in Europe made possible by certain specific soils that preserve the original root system.
This red wine unfolds striking intensity. Its aromatic depth recalls the finesse of the world's greatest crus.
Produced in limited quantities, this cuvée embodies the prestige of Naoussa. It is a collector's piece for discerning wine lovers.
Thymiopoulos - Terra Petra - 2020: the expression of Rapsani
Let's leave Naoussa for a moment and head to the foot of Mount Olympus, where Xinomavro joins forces with other grape varieties. This cuvée, Thymiopoulos - Terra Petra - 2020, comes from the Rapsani appellation. It blends Xinomavro, Stavroto and Krassato.
The vines thrive at 600 metres above sea level and are farmed organically. This altitude preserves remarkable freshness in the juice. You will notice a volcanic minerality drawn from the schist and quartz soils.
On the palate, the wine is particularly silky. The balance between tannic structure and fruit is perfectly judged.
Thymiopoulos - Alta Naoussa - 2024: the freshness of altitude
Back to the heights of Naoussa with a cuvée that lives up to its name.
Here you will find 25-year-old vines perched on schist and granite soils. These plots rise to 650 metres above sea level. This location guarantees remarkable crystalline freshness in the wine.
At altitude, the Xinomavro grape shows a floral and particularly taut character. Its elegant structure comes with lively acidity. The Greek estates to know – Thymiopoulos, Tetramythos and Sarris – perfectly illustrate this precision.
This cuvée is ideal with grilled meats at convivial gatherings. Its liveliness perfectly balances intense flavours.
Thymiopoulos - Terre et Ciel - 2023: masterful balance
Between the earth of the roots and the sky of the heights, this emblematic cuvée sums up all of Apostolos's savoir-faire.
The wine Thymiopoulos - Terre et Ciel - 2023 blends the finest plots of Naoussa. These old vines offer a precise reading of the Macedonian terroir. It is a pure and sincere expression of the Xinomavro grape.
You will discover aromas of sandalwood and gentle spices. The tannic structure remains extremely fine. This emblematic cuvée stands out for its masterful balance on the palate.
For the best tasting experience, follow these few technical recommendations:
- Serving temperature: 16–17 °C
- Aeration time: 1 hour
- Ageing potential: 10 to 15 years
Thymiopoulos - Atma Rouge - 2021: the approachable soul of Naoussa
For those who want to discover the spirit of the estate in all simplicity, Atma is the ideal gateway.
Atma means soul in Greek. This cuvée is a balanced blend of Xinomavro from Naoussa and Mandilaria from Santorini. You can discover this bottle here: Thymiopoulos - Atma Rouge - 2021.
Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks to ensure immediate crunchiness. This technical choice puts the aromatic freshness of the red fruit first. Above all, this is a wine for pure enjoyment.
This supple red pairs wonderfully with traditional Greek meze. Its soft structure makes it a convivial choice when entertaining.
Tetramythos and Sarris: exploring the diversity of Greek terroirs
The Greek revival doesn't stop at Naoussa; estates such as Tetramythos and Sarris bring out the best in their island and mountain terroirs.
| Estate | Region | Grape variety | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thymiopoulos | Naoussa | Xinomavro | Structured red |
| Tetramythos | Achaea | Roditis | Floral white |
| Sarris | Kefalonia | Robola | Saline white |
Tetramythos and the floral freshness of the Roditis grape
The whites of Achaea offer a lively style. You will find notes of lime. Altitude guarantees good acidity.
The estate practises rigorous organic farming. The winemaking remains natural. Sulphite use is minimal here.
Serve these cuvées with grilled fish. They also go well with meze.
Domaine Sarris and the saline expression of Kefalonia
Robola thrives on limestone soils. These old vines offer a deep structure. The island terroir here is unique.
The wine reveals intense minerality. Touches of candied citrus enrich the palate. You will love its saline finish.
Its profile recalls Italian Vermentinos. It is an elegant alternative for your table.
The Greek wine renaissance shines through the structure of Thymiopoulos's Xinomavro, the floral liveliness of Tetramythos and the mineral salinity of Sarris. Seize the opportunity now to discover these high-altitude terroirs by choosing biodynamic cuvées for your next food pairings. Elevate your table with the timeless elegance of these exceptional bottles.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main characteristics of the wines of the Thymiopoulos estate?
The Thymiopoulos estate, located in Naoussa, has mastered the art of showcasing Xinomavro through biodynamics. These wines stand out for their firm tannic structure and high acidity, offering a complex aromatic profile that often combines notes of small red berries, faded rose and sometimes truffle or black olive.
Grown on varied terroirs of schist, granite and limestone, these cuvées achieve a remarkable balance between power and finesse. Their ageing potential is exceptional, easily exceeding 15 years, which places them alongside the world's greatest crus, much like the Nebbiolos of Piedmont.
Why is Tetramythos's Roditis grape so special?
The Tetramythos estate, nestled in the hills of Achaea, showcases Roditis through a non-interventionist approach and rigorous organic farming. Grown at high altitude, this pink-skinned grape produces very fresh white wines, marked by lively aromas of lemon, pear and white flowers.
The use of native yeasts and limited sulphites preserve the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the limestone soil. These are supple, elegant wines for immediate enjoyment, pairing perfectly with meze or grilled fish while young.
What should you know about the saline expression of Domaine Sarris wines?
Domaine Sarris, located on the island of Kefalonia, specialises in the indigenous Robola grape, grown on poor limestone soils. These extreme conditions give the wines a unique mineral identity, characterised by a persistent saline finish and notes of candied citrus.
Often compared to Vermentinos for their texture and liveliness, these dry white wines stand out for their high natural acidity and great elegance. They make ideal table companions for seafood, especially baked fish or dishes spiced up with capers.
What mistakes should you avoid when discovering modern Greek wines?
The first mistake would be to reduce Greek winemaking to traditional Retsina alone. The current renaissance, led by winegrowers such as Apostolos Thymiopoulos, focuses on the purity of indigenous grape varieties and the precise expression of terroir. It is also crucial not to underestimate the ageing potential of structured reds such as Xinomavro, which gain in complexity over time.
Finally, we recommend paying particular attention to food pairings. The diversity of styles, from the razor-sharp minerality of a Kefalonia white to the power of a Naoussa red, offers vast gastronomic possibilities that it would be a shame to limit to culinary clichés.
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