Alpha Estate

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Alpha Estate Winery

Greek wine is as old as time. Really, grapevines have grown in the Mediterranean country for thousands of years. Still, the modern Greek wine industry is relatively young — they’re newcomers in the international wine scene.

Thanks to a few estates, Greek wine is back on the map — amongst the finest producers, there’s Alpha Estate. Here’s all you need to know about this Greek winery, its terroir, wine styles and philosophy.

Alpha Estate is a wonderful ambassador for the northern Greek region of Macedonia, perhaps the source of the country’s finest wines. This is Alpha Estate in detail.

The Winery

Alpha Estate is a winery in Amyndeon, an appellation or PDO of the highest level in Macedonia, Northern Greece. Here, between the village of Nymfaio and the Pisoderi ski resort, a talented team of grape growers and oenologists make the most out of the region’s prestigious terroir.

The winery results from viticulturist Makis Mavridis and oenologist Angelos Iatridis working together to promote Northern Greek wine with the highest quality standards in the vineyard and cellar.

Alpha Estate opened its doors in 1997, and it now tends 75 hectares of vines, a source of wine labels that have gained national and international recognition. The estate is, without a doubt, the best-known winery in Amyndeon in the global wine market.

The vineyards at Alpha Estate are tended with care. The team works with sustainable practices and the most recent international standards to guarantee pristine fruit every vintage while caring for the environment and the beautiful hilly landscape.

As for the wine, Alpha Estate champions both local and international varietals and produces wine at PDO and PGI levels. Let’s just say the winery offers a wine style for every taste, food pairing and budget. The best part? Even the most inexpensive labels on the estate’s catalogue have a distinctly Greek feel that’s hard not to love.

The Terroir

Alpha Estate is a leading producer in Amyndeon. This is a PDO appellation in northern Greece, in the region of Macedonia. Here, the vineyards are less influenced by the warm Mediterranean breeze — instead, they benefit from a cold climate thanks to altitudes between 620-680 metres.

You’ll find the region called Amyndeon, Amynteo or Amyndaio. The Greek language is not easily translated. Still, all three names refer to the same area. Amyndeon is 32 kilometres from Naousa, the most significant PDO in Northern Greece. Both PDOs share a wonderful red grape, Xinomavro.

Amynteo has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, an environment more Balkan than Greek. The unique conditions aid wine grapes in ripening fully. Concentrated musts are the norm here, which become inky red wines and floral rosé. Compared to neighbouring Naousa, Amyndeon’s wine is lighter and more refreshing; these are wines with excellent compatibility at the table.

Amyndeon has proved to be the perfect spot for growing Xinomavro, Malagousia and Roditis, three exciting local grapes. Still, the area is also a source of fantastic Syrah, Tannat and Sauvignon Blanc. And although the region is home to not very many wine producers, there’s plenty of Amyndeon wine to go around. The finest, of course, might just come from Alpha Estate’s cellars.

The Wine

Alpha Estate has a comprehensive catalogue divided into Premium, Super Premium and Ultra-Premium wines. The core line or just Premium comprises an interesting selection of single vineyards, including a Malagouzia white wine, a smoky Syrah and a Xinomavro.

In the second tier, you’ll find the estate’s benchmark wines. Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Alpha Estate Rosé (100% Xinomavro) and Alpha Estate Red (an SMX blend of Syrah 60%, Xinomavro 20%, Merlot 20%.)

The Alpha Estate’s Ultra-Premium line is also the most varied. Under the “Ecosystem” line, you’ll find an oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc, a robust Chardonnay, an age-worthy Xinomavro, a Pinot Noir and a Tannat.

Perhaps the most exciting wine coming from the already outstanding winery, Alpha One. Labelled under the PGI Florina, this bold red wine is a blend of the estate’s best barrels, and its composition changes every vintage. The wine spends 36n months in oak casks before hitting the market.

Last but not least, Alpha Estate releases an award-winning sweet wine made with Gewürztraminer 85% and Malagouzia 15%, Omega. This golden wine is fantastic by itself, but you can enjoy it with blue cheese, pâté or mildly sweet desserts, including fruit tarts, meringues and custards.

Wine to Try

Ecosystem Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes Single Block ‘’Barba Yannis’’

This red wine has earned 94 points from the critics Robert Parker and James Halliday. A 100% Xinomavro from the Amyndeon plateau. The vineyard was planted in 1919, making these Xinomavro vines some of the oldest in the world.

To make this wine, the team crushes the grapes and cold soak them for more intense colour. The wine ferments with wild yeast and ages for 24 months in French oak barrels.

This Xinomavro shows blackberries and plums on the nose, followed by hints of dried violets. The palate is rich and fruit-forward with present but round tannins and vibrant acidity. The alcoholic warmth is well balanced, and the wine offers a lengthy aftertaste of black fruit and oak spices.

Alpha Estate Ecosystem Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes is the perfect example of an elegant Xinomavro from Amyndeon. It offers strength but finesse, age-worthiness but instant pleasure.

Food Pairings

The wines from Amyndeon have a great affinity for food. The lively acidity in white, rosé and white wines gives them versatility at the table. Alpha Estate’s wines are no exception.

Pair the winery’s white and rosé wines with Mediterranean-inspired seafood, fresh salads, crumbly fresh cheese, olives, vegetarian dishes and other light preparations. Amyndeon produces expressive white and pink wines.

The region’s red wines are even more food-friendly. Xinomavro is best enjoyed with hearty stews, casseroles, stewed meat and roasts. Beef, lamb, goat and game are all compatible with the local red grape. As for other younger red wines, tomato sauces and mushroom dishes are excellent alternatives. Greek wine has never been better.