Xinómavro, The wine-grape variety of Central-western Macedonia

Xinómavro, The wine-grape variety of Central-western Macedonia

by Stavroula Kourakou-Dragona

Publisher: Foinikas (2017) 
Format: Clothbound hardcover
Pages: 228
Dimensions: 21.5 × 28.5 cm
ISBN: 978-960-6849-67-1

About 

Stavroula Kourakou’s book “Xinomavro: The Vine of Central–Western Macedonia” is dedicated to the Xinomavro grape variety and to the different wine styles produced from it, shaped by the distinct soil and climate conditions in its main cultivation areas. The book also explores the history of these regions and the cultural heritage of modern winemaking in Central–Western Macedonia.

A large part of the book focuses on the principal Xinomavro-growing regions -Naoussa, Amyntaio, Goumenissa, Velvento, and Rapsani- examining their ecosystems, the characteristics of the legally defined wine styles produced there, as well as their history, folklore, archaeological sites, and the cultural legacy of these centuries-old wine regions where the variety has long thrived.

The historical references begin with the civilization of the Macedonian kings: the drinking vessels from the Royal Tombs, the Dionysian cult, and the ancient vineyards. For the development of viticulture in later centuries, the book presents evidence from written sources, including Ottoman archives, reports by mainly French consuls, records from various European rulers, and accounts from travelers and historians.

The historical journey prior to the modern era concludes with the beneficial contribution of the refugees from the population exchange, many of whom carried a strong viticultural tradition with them.

Finally, the book offers a vivid, firsthand account of contemporary winemaking in Central–Western Macedonia, written by an author who played a decisive role in the official recognition of the Xinomavro production zones as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) regions.

The hardcover binding is cloth-covered with thermographic printing.