Our Northern Greece wine safari took us along the Wine Route of the Lakes to the Alpha Estate, Amyndeon. When we arrived Angelos Iatridis, winemaker and co-proprietor met us. He took us on a tour of Alpha's scenic vineyards. Angelos and his partner Makis Mavridis, a viticulturist, established Alpha Estate's vineyard in Ampelia, in the Amyndeon wine region of Northwest Greece. Their 90 hectare vineyard is located on a plateau, at 620-710 meters (about 2000 feet) above sea level, in the heart of the Amyndeon Appellation. This appellation, the highest and coolest wine making area in Greece, provides ideal grape growing conditions.
 |
| Stunning View, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
While touring the vineyard we stopped to checkout a scenic viewpoint. At the edge of the plateau there are stunning views of the lake and plains below.
 |
| Taking in the View, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
Before leaving this scenic overlook we took time to do a group photo.
 |
| Touring Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
We did variety of other stops in the vineyard, including a visit to a block of old vine Xinomavro (100 year old vines). Yes, later we did get to taste wine from this vineyard block.
 |
| Old Vine Xinomavro, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
There were a few grapes remaining after the harvest.
 |
| Last Bunch, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
After touring the vineyard we did a walk through the winery, which included visiting the tank and barrel room areas.
 |
| Tanks, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Barrel Room, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
Our host was happy to explain any questions our group had during the tour.
Alpha Estate Wines
After the tour we did a very detailed wine tasting with Angelos.
 |
| Wine Tasting, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
Indeed, we tasted an impressive list of Alpha Estate wines.
 |
Wine Tasting Lineup Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood
|
The wine tasting included:
1. Alpha Estate Axia Blend (50% Xinomavro 50% Syrah) 2012, PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Macedonia
2. Alpha Estate Xinomavro 2011, PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Amyndeon, Hedgehog
3. Apha Estate Xinomavro Reserve 2011, PDO Amyndeon, Old Vines/Vielles Vignes
 |
| Alpha Estate Axia Blend 2012, Xinomavro & Xinomavro Reserve 2011 © Spaswinefood |
4. Alpha Estate Blend (60% Syrah, 20% Xinomavro, 20% Merlot) 2012, PGI Florina
5. Alpha Estate Utopia (100% Tannat) 2011, PGI Florina
6. Alpha Estate One (100% Negro Amaro) 2009, PGI Florina
 |
| Alpha Estate Blend 2012, Utopia 2011& One 2009 © Spaswinefood |
7. Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2014, PGI Florina
8. Alpha Estate Malagousia Turtles 2014, PGI Florina
9. Alpha Estate Omega (85% Gewürztraminer & 15% Malagousia) 2012, PGI Florina
 |
| Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Malagousia Turtles 2014 & Omega 2012 © Spaswinefood |
The wines in the above tasting left me with an overall impression of Alpha Estate wines as being world-class. The winery founded in 1997 began commercial operations in 2003. Alpha Estate has already established a reputation, both domestically and worldwide. The wines are readily available in the US.
 |
| Alpha Estate Wines © Spaswinefood |
During our visit we tasted wines made from both indigenous Greek and international grape varieties. Northern Greece is where you will find indigenous grapes, such as Malagousia (mah-lah-goo-zee-AH), a white grape that was once near extinction; Xinomavro (Ksee NOH mah vroh), a red grape, which has gained attention in recent years. Both of these grapes make excellent wines.
It was indeed a pleasure to spend time with Angelos Iatridis who was nominated in 2014 "Winemaker of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast.
 |
| Wine Tasting with Angelos Iatridis, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
Before leaving Alpha Estate we ate lunch. I usually do not drink the wines from a wine tasting however, in this case since lunch was served after the wine tasting, I did. Besides it was the perfect opportunity to re-taste some of the wines with food. Moreover, these are very good wines. After tasting Alpha Estate wines I was not surprised to discover that their wines have received numerous awards and distinctions. Also, Alpha Estate was awarded Wine & Spirits "Top 100 Wineries of the Year" in 2013.
 |
| Lunch, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
Yes, these are amazingly food friendly wines.
 |
| Food & Wine, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Lunch, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
Of course, before we left there was a bottle to sign.
 |
| Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
Then later at #dwcc15 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria I did a master class titled Xinomavro on Fire, where an Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve 2010, PDO Amyndeon, Old Vines/Vielles Vignes was included. I was indeed exciting to revisit an Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve 2010 in this context. I felt I got so much more from the experience, by having tasted Alpha Estate Xinomavro wines earlier.
 |
| Xinomavro on Fire © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Xinomavro Reserve 2010, PDO Amyndeon, Vielles Vignes (2nd from left) © Spaswinefood |
Alpha Estate is indeed a must visit on the Wine Roads of Northern Greece. Great wines and food, stunning scenery and amazing hospitality makes Northern Greece the perfect wine country escape for gastronomic adventurers. Spaswinefood is so looking forward to continued explorations along Greek's wine roads. I invite you to join me in my travels in Greece and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
October 2015
Amyndeon, Greece
© Spaswinefood
Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
 |
| Awesome View, Alpha Estate © Spaswinefood |
Note: This expense paid Press Trip was sponsored by #dwcc15 and #NorthGRTrip
No comments:
Post a Comment