Alpha Estate - Assyrtiko, Aghia Kriaki, Amydeon, Greece (2021)

TASTING NOTES

Intense, rich and complex. Flamed orange rind (think the garnish on an old fashioned), salty, herbal (particularly basil), floral and white stone fruits. Excellent structure, creamy texture, but with a crisp, high acidity bite. Long and persistent finish.

Skin contact for 16 hours, fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aged "sur lie" for 8 months with regular stirring.

Alpha Estate is located in Amydeon, North West Greece, in the heart of the Amyndeon Appellation and a significant geo-morphological site. With beautiful views over the Petron and Vegoritida lakes, it lies between the picturesque Nimfeon village, the beautiful ski centre of Pisoderi (Vigla) and the ski resort of Ag. Athanasios (Voras - Kaimaktsalan).

The terroir expression of the wines are heavily influenced by the 600m elevation, proximity to the lakes, the moderate year-long northwest winds, low precipitations and the alluvium, sandy, low fertility soils.

Makis Mavridis and Angelos Iatridis combine eco-friendly growing practices with lower-intervention winemaking leading to Wine & Spirit Magazine naming them one of the Best World 100 Wineries in 2014, 2019, 2021, and 2022 and Wine Enthusiast their European Winery of the Year in 2020.