Markovitis Naoussa Xinomavro

Markos Markovitis is a singularly unique winemaker. He is the viticulturist and third generation winemaker for Markovitis Winery. For those in the know, this is the famed Chateau Pegasus which changed its name recently to reflect the family that has been tending these vineyards in Polla Nera in Northern Greece. This is a small property of mere 16 acres and crop load is severely reduced by careful pruning in August. This estate only makes one wine – the Naoussa Xinomavro – and they have been doing so since 1972.Chateau Pegasus was the first organically farmed vineyard in Greece. However, it was not merely the name that has changed. Since Markos has been at the helm, the wines are all hand picked and laboriously de-stemmed. The winery continues to practice organic cultivation. Even the weeds are allowed to thrive in between the rows of vineyards. Also, the winery was modified to allow for a gravity fed system which leads minimal manipulation of the grapes. Markos believes that all intervention should be done in the vineyard and the fruit allowed to express itself in the wine.