Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes Single Block Barba Yannis 2019 – Alpha Estate

The Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes Single Block Barba Yannis Alpha Estate grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed and cold soaked with skin contact. Fermentation took place using an indigenous yeast strain which has been isolated from this specific block. The grapes to produce Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes Single Block Barba Yannis Alpha Estate were vinified at gradually increasing temperatures, before being maintained “sur lie” or on its fine lees, for eighteen months with regular stirring. Maturation took place in Allier-Bertrange French oak casks of medium grain, for 24 months, with a minimum of a further 12 months ageing in the bottle prior to release. The wine was bottled without fining and filtration.

The Single Block Barba Yannis is named in honour of Mr Yannis, from whom the single block was purchased in 1994. The vineyard is located in Amyndeo, in the region of Macedonia. The vines are ungrafted, pre-phylloxera bush vines which are over 90 years old. The summers are hot, so in order to avoid extreme water deficit, a “root zone drying irrigation” is used, to ensure the optimum conditions for the nourishment and maturation of the grapes. The vines are grown in sandy clay soils.