Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Alpha Estate is located in Amyndeo, North West Greece. It is the brainchild of two visionaries, second-generation vine grower Makis Mavridis and Bordeaux-trained wine maker Angelos Iatrides. Angelos is one of the most talented winemakers working in Europe. This pristine estate in the cool highlands of Western Macedonia comprises 220 hectares of privately owned single block vineyards, which are certified sustainable, and employs the most up-to-date vineyard techniques and winemaking technology to produce world-class wines from French and indigenous Greek varietals.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Single Block Barba Yannis is named in honour of Mr Yannis, from whom the single block of 3.71 hectares was purchased in 1994. The estate vineyard is located in P.D.O. Amyndeon, in the region of Macedonia and is situated at an altitude of 620 to 710 metres above sea level. These very old, low-yielding vines are 100% ungrafted, prephylloxera Gobelet (bush) vines, which were planted in 1919. Planted at a density of 2,600 vines per hectare, they yield just 25hl/ha of concentrated juice. The summers are hot, so in order to avoid extreme water deficit, a ‘root zone drying irrigation’ is used to ensure the optimum conditions for the nourishment and maturation of the grapes. The vines are grown in sandy clay loam over limestone soils, which provide excellent drainage.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The Xinomavro grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed and cold soaked with skin contact. Fermentation took place using an indigenous yeast strain which has been isolated from the specific block. The grapes were vinified at gradually increasing temperatures, before being maintained “sur lie” or on their fine lees, for 18 months with regular stirring. Maturation took place in Allier-Jupille French oak casks of medium grain, for 24 months, with a minimum of a further 12 months ageing in the bottle before release. Bottled without fining and filtration.

OUR TASTING NOTE:
A complex and typical Xinomavro, showing aromas of ripe red berries, strawberries, dark cherries, liquorice, sundried tomatoes and delicate spice. Full-bodied and structured on the palate, with a rich depth of fruit, concentrated savoury notes and a touch of oak. The velvety tannins lead through to a persistent and aromatic finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Xinomavro 100%.