Mikro Ktima Titos

Mikro Ktima Titos means the small estate of Titos, and it is exactly that: four hectares at Goumenissa in central Macedonia, founded in 1972 by Titos Eftychidis, who planted along the banks of the River Sirios beneath the Paiko mountains among ancient oak woods.

Goumenissa is one of Greece's smaller appellations and among its more distinctive. Where neighbouring Naoussa makes Xinomavro alone, Goumenissa requires it to be blended with Negoska, a local variety grown essentially nowhere else, which adds colour, flesh and softness to a grape that can otherwise be austerely tannic.

The estate remains tiny and family-run, and the wines are made in small quantities. Goumenissa is far less known abroad than Naoussa, which makes it one of the better-value corners of northern Greece.