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Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes “Barba Yannis” is a dry Greek red wine from the Amyndeon PDO (or Amynteo PDO), which is located in Northern Greece in the region of Macedonia. It is made in an area where some of the very best Xinomavro wines are made from a single block, known as “Barba Yannis”, of the estate’s old vines (vieilles vignes, as the label says) and is bottled unfiltered.
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 the Amyndeon 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 old bush vines (Gobelet) have an age of 90 years plus, planted at a density of 2600 vines per hectare.
Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes “Barba Yannis” has a bright dark ruby color. Complex nose with typical bouquet of sundried tomatoes, smoky black fruits, strawberries, dark cherries, licorice and spices. Full body, with rich fruit depth, blackberries, plums, herbaceous hints and oak on the back. Solid, velvety tannins and long aftertaste with persistent aromas.
Perfect match with juicy red barbecued meats, roasted lamb, spicy sausages, red baked peppers in olive oil, stew rabbit.
Xinomavro pairs well with hard cheeses such as aged cheddar, parmesan, or manchego. The wine’s tannins and acidity complement the richness and saltiness of the cheese.
Xinomavro (pronounced “ksee-NOH-mah-vroh,” from Greek words meaning “sour black”) is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety native to northern Greece, particularly the Macedonia region. It’s considered Greece’s premier red grape. Sometimes people find the name hard to pronounce, so people have taken to calling it “Grape X”.
Styles can vary greatly, but Xinomavro is often described as being a bit like a cross between Nebbiolo, famous as the grape of Barolo, and Pinot Noir. The wines are characterised by high acidity, firm tannins and excellent ageing potential, whilst also offering unique herbaceous and earthy notes. This vibrant acidity means that the wines are great at cutting through rich dishes like lamb, moussaka, grilled meats, game, stews (e.g., stifado) or aged cheeses.
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