2021, Alpha Estate 'Barba Yannis' Reserve Vieilles Vignesilles Vignes Xinomavro, Amyndeon
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At a glance
- Grape
- Xinomavro
- Region
- Macedonia, Greece
- Alcohol
- 14.00%
- Body
- Full
- Acidity
- High
- Tannins
- High
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Drink
- Long (10-20 yrs)
- Pairs with
- Lamb, Game
Why this wine
Xinomavro is Greece's answer to Nebbiolo — high acid, high tannin, tomato-leaf and dried herbs, ageing for decades. These are old ungrafted vines in Amyndeon. Serious wine at a modest price.
Our advantages:
Description
How it tastes
Savoury and complex, this old-vine Xinomavro offers aromas of raspberry, sundried tomato, and wild herbs layered with liquorice and spice, finishing long and elegantly structured. Complex and layered with ripe red berries, strawberries, dark cherries, sundried tomato, liquorice, and delicate spice. Full-bodied and structured, combining rich fruit depth with savoury intensity. The grapes were destemmed and lightly crushed before a cold soak and fermentation with indigenous yeasts isolated from the vineyard. After fermentation, the wine rested on fine lees for 18 months with regular stirring, followed by 24 months maturation in medium-grain Allier and Jupille French oak. A further 12 months of bottle ageing refined its texture and aromatic complexity. Bottled unfiltered and unfined to preserve purity and character. Contains sulphites. Information provided to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change by vintage.
The producer
Alpha Estate was founded in 1997 by viticulturist Makis Mavridis and Bordeaux-trained oenologist Angelos Iatridis in Amyndeon, northwest Greece. The 220-hectare estate sits in the cool highlands of Western Macedonia at 620–710 metres elevation, producing world-class wines from both indigenous and international varieties. The vineyards are certified sustainable, and the estate combines cutting-edge technology with precision viticulture to craft wines of depth and balance. Angelos Iatridis is widely regarded as one of Europe's most talented winemakers, dedicated to showcasing Greece's native grape heritage.
Food and drinking
Good with lamb and game. Drinking well now, with a decade or more ahead of it. Serve at 16–18°C.