Alpha Estate – Xinomavro Rose, Single Vineyard Hedgehog, Amyndeo – 2023

PRODUCER NOTE:
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 120 hectares of privately owned single block vineyards and employs the most up to date vineyard techniques and winemaking technology to produce world class wines from French and indigenous Greek varietals.

VINEYARD:
Xinomavro (pronounced Ksee-NOH-mav-roe) is a native variety found in northern Greece. The vines are grown in a single vineyard in the ‘Hedgehog’ subregion, of the Amyndeon plateau. It is situated at an altitude of 690 metres, with a northern orientation facing Lake Petron and Voras Mountain. The influences from the mountain and the lake contribute to the unique microclimate. The vines are planted at a density of 3,700 vines per hectare and yield 36.5 hectolitres per hectare, post a green harvest and careful selection. The soils are sandy and sandy-clay over limestone, which offer excellent drainage. Precise cultivation takes place in the vineyard with a Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) system in place. The grapes are certified as sustainably cultivated and are manually harvested.

WINEMAKING:
The single vineyard grapes were destemmed, optically sorted and lightly crushed. A cold soak took place at 8°C for two hours followed by fermentation with selected yeasts at gradually increasing temperatures. The wine was maintained ‘sur lie’ or on its fine lees for three months with regular stirring to impart texture and complexity to the wine. Produced by the saignée method.

TASTING NOTE:
A pale and lively pink coloured rosé with an aromatic and fresh bouquet of peach and strawberry, layered with rose petals, spice and mineral notes. Crisp with a creamy, fruity palate through to a long finish.

GRAPE:
Xinomavro 100%.

COUNTRY:
Greece

REGION:
Macedonia

SUB-REGION:
Amyndeon