Vrana Petra is one of the most site-expressive wines from Thymiopoulos Vineyards, crafted exclusively from the Xinomavro variety and sourced from a single vineyard of the same name near Trilofos in Naoussa. The vineyard, planted over 20 years ago, lies on an amphitheatrical slope at around 200 meters of altitude, where limestone-rich soils with elements of schist and granite contribute to the wine’s structure and mineral character.
Winemaking follows a low-intervention approach, with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts and a combination of whole clusters and destemmed fruit, followed by an extended maceration that enhances depth and complexity. The wine is then aged for approximately 12 months in large, neutral French oak barrels, allowing the varietal character to remain at the forefront.
In the glass, it shows a deep ruby color and a layered aromatic profile of red cherry, raspberry, and currant, alongside herbal and floral notes such as thyme, dried herbs, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is structured yet refined, with vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins typical of high-quality Xinomavro.
The finish is long and mineral-driven, with earthy undertones that evolve over time. Vrana Petra has strong aging potential, developing additional complexity over a decade or more, and stands as a precise, terroir-focused expression of Naoussa.
Producer
Thymiopoulos Vineyards is one of the most distinctive and influential contemporary wineries in northern Greece, located in the village of Trilofos within the renowned Naoussa wine region in Imathia. Led by winemaker Apostolos Thymiopoulos, the estate builds on a long family tradition of grape growing, with independent winemaking beginning in 2005 and a clear focus on expressing the full potential of the indigenous Xinomavro variety.
The winery works primarily with this demanding grape, known for its high acidity, firm tannins, and remarkable aging capacity, while emphasizing its ability to reflect specific vineyard sites. Vineyards are spread across different parcels around Trilofos and Fytia, at varying altitudes and on diverse soils including limestone, schist, and granite, contributing to the complexity and structure of the wines.
The continental climate, moderated by breezes from Mount Vermio and the Aegean Sea, allows for slow ripening and the preservation of freshness. Thymiopoulos follows organic and biodynamic practices with minimal intervention in the cellar, aiming to capture the authenticity of each terroir.
The portfolio includes multiple interpretations of Xinomavro, from fresher, early-drinking styles to more structured and age-worthy wines such as “Naoussa Alta” and “Earth and Sky”. The wines are typically defined by elegance, vibrant red fruit, herbal nuances, and a balanced interplay of acidity and tannin, avoiding excessive extraction.
This precise and terroir-driven approach has positioned Thymiopoulos among the leading figures of the new generation of Greek winemakers, with growing international recognition.