Xinomavro, by Alpha Estate
Every so often I try a new wine that I know I’ll keep going back to. This one.
Greece produces some incredible red wines, and Xinomavro, (often called the Nebbiolo of Greece) is the local hero in the Macedonian region. There’s definitely some similarities: light colour, red fruits, and earthy hints. But this is an outstanding wine on its own without the comparison.
I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted a wine with such a punch of pomegranate flavour. You'll also get some juicy blackberry, raspberry, and liquorice. What makes it so flavoursome? The grapes are grown high at 700m, and cool nights give more time to develop those intense flavour compounds. Then, at the winery, the grapes are ‘cold soaked’ before fermentation, which releases all those rich notes. This is a wine you'll come back to again and again...
Why we chose it?
An unexpectedly high quality wine. This made our 'local heroes' members box. And a hero is definitely is.
Read on...
Xinomavro
Produced in the single vineyard 'Hedgehog' plot at 700m, this Xinomavro retains a freshness alongside intense fruit flavours. It can be served at room temperature but we love it slightly chilled, around 13 degrees. An amazing partner to a meaty dinner - lamb, barbecued meats or spicy style sausages would all be immense.
Alpha Estate
Alpha Estate owns 69 hectares of vineyards in Amyndeo, North-West Greece. It is the brainchild of two visionaries - Makis Mavridis and Angelos Latrides - who combine modern winemaking techniques with meticulous vineyard management and grape selection. The result is high quality wines bursting with flavour.