Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro

Description

Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro is a single vineyard dry Greek red wine from the Amyndeon PDO (or Amynteo PDO) which is located in Northern Greece in the region of Macedonia. It is a an area where some of the very best Xinomavro wines are made. Xinomavro translates literally as “sour black”, but don’t let that put you off! Some say Xinomavro is reminiscent of Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir with complex flavors of dark fruits, herbs, and spices, and can age well for many years.

Alpha Estate is fast becoming recognised as one of the very best wine-producers in Greece. It was founded in 1997 by the experienced viticulturist Makis Mavridis and chemist-oenologist Angelos Iatridis, who, after years of experience in various locations of Greece, chose the Amyndeon region as the best location for producing quality Greek wines.

The vineyards are located on a plateau at an altitude of 620-710 metres with a northwest exposure with a total vineyard area of 87 hectares. The local climate is characterised by cold winters with good snow and rainfall which helps sustain the vines through relatively dry summers. The soils are composed of sandy clay which offers good drainage resulting in small berries with intense red colour and concentrated flavours and aromas.

The Hedgehog Vineyard is the name given to a specific block of vines located at 690 metres altitude, with northern exposure, facing lake Petron and Mount Voras. This block was identified as being particularly good for the expression of the typical character of Xinomavro. The vineyard is named Hedgehog as it is an ancient nesting site for a local hedgehog population which the estate preserves and protects.

The grapes for the Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro are destemmed and then undergo a period of cold soaking prior to alcoholic fermentation. The wine is aged for a period of 12 months in medium grain, lightly toasted, French oak barrels (including 8 months with lees stirring). It then aged for another 12 months inn bottle prior to release.

This wine is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.