Vaeni is a regional cooperative winery with more than 200
member-growers contributing the raw material for its diverse lineup of wines.
This “Grande Reserve” is 100% Xinomavro aged 24 months in barrel and another 24
months in bottle before release. It shows some of the “tar and roses”
characteristics of Italian Barolo, yet in addition to those darker, more savory
notes, the 2013 also has core of cherry, goji berry, and red currant fruit that
wouldn’t be out of place in a Côte de Beaune Pinot Noir. Not to be
confused with the village of Naousa on the Cycladean island of Paros, this
Naoussa is a city in Greek Macedonia that lends its name to the wine zone in
and around it. The soil composition in Naoussa,
with its mix of clay, limestone, and some volcanic material, helps shape wines
of considerable structure and ageability.

 Bright garnet red with some brick orange at the rim, signaling its
maturity. Perfumed aromas of red cherry, currant, orange peel, rose petals,
warm spices, and tobacco carry over to a medium-bodied palate. In terms of
tannic structure and overall weight, this falls at the more finessed end of the
Xinomavro spectrum; expect other versions to be darker and more brooding. This
will pair well with lamb and other meat dishes, including fattier, richer
braises.