Markos Markovitis

Markos is the third generation of a family of viticulturists and winemakers at Markovitis Winery, formerly Château Pegasus, and the first producer in Greece to practice organics. The winery is based in Náoussa, a region in the north of Greece near Thessaloniki, famed for making Nebbiolo-style wines that can be just as age-worthy. Markos' grandfather planted 24 hectares of the Xinomavro grape in 1970 in the foothills of the Vermio mountains, in the north-western part of the zone on a gentle slope, between a forest of oaks. Xinomavro can seem austere in youth, with grippy tannins and high acid. This structure mellows with age, and the wines acquire a fragrant lift and develop complex earthy notes, not unlike Pinot Noir. Markos’ Xinomavro is the only wine made on the estate, from 100% de-stemmed fruit and aged in old barrels.