Alpha Estate Assyrtiko 2021

Alpha Estate is located in Amyndeon, North West Greece. It is the brainchild of two visionaries, second generation vine grower Makis Mavridis and Bordeaux trained wine maker Angelos Iatrides. Angelos is one of the most talented winemakers working in Europe. This pristine estate in the cool highlands of Western Macedonia comprises 120 hectares of privately owned single block vineyards and employs the most up to date vineyard techniques and winemaking technology to produce world class wines from French and indigenous Greek varietals.

The vines are grown in privately owned vineyards located on the Amyndeon plateau, in North West Macedonia. The grapes come from two subregions, known as ‘Turtles’ and ‘Hedgehog’. The Turtles subregion is located at an altitude of 660 metres, with a northwestern orientation which faces the Voras Mountain; while the "Hedgehog" subregion is located at an altitude of 690 metres, with a northern orientation facing Lake Petron and Voras Mountain. The influences from the mountain and the lake contribute to the unique microclimates found in the vineyards. The vines are planted at a density of 3,700 vines per hectare and yield 36.5 hectolitres per hectare, post a green harvest and careful selection. The soils are sandy and sandy-clay over limestone, which offer excellent drainage. The grapes are manually harvested.

The Assyrtiko is kept in skin contact for 16 hours, followed by temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is maintained sur lie for 8 months with regular batonnage.