Naoussa (or Naousa), named for a town in northern Greece, in 1971 became the first Greek wine to earn its own appellation. The signature wine here is made from the top red variety of the Macedonia region, known as Xynomavro. This grape has high tannins and acidity and produces well-structured red wines that can age well.

Vineyards at Naoussa are planted on the slopes of local mountains, between 500 and 1100 feet above sea level; this area has more of a continental climate than the rest of Greece, which is largely a Mediterranean climate. While Naoussa must be 100% Xymomavro, some producers also grow Merlot and Syrah, but these must be labeled with a different appellation, that of Macedonia PGI. (Wine/Appellations)