This 2010 Alpha Estate Xinomavro is a red wine made in Greece. It is already 8 years old and the good thing about it is that you can purchase this wine for under $20.00! The wine reminded me of drinking Barbera. I thought it had a good acidity and possessed mellow tannins.
While we had this wine with chicken parmesan on a bed of spaghetti, it will go well with any meal with red sauce. It will also stand up nicely to a good steak as well as a nice burger.
From the label on the back of the bottle, I learned that Alpha Estate is located in the northwest part of Greece, in Macedonia.
The Xinomavro is called the noblest red varietal of northern Greece. Xinomavro can be translated into "acid black", a reference to the grape's acidity. Alpha Estate is located on the Amyndeon plateau, and is part of the Amyndeon viticulture zone.2 The source of this Xinomavro is the Hedgehog Vineyards located at an altitude of 690 meters facing Petron Lake and Voras Mountain.
On the Alpha Estate Website, they include the vinification and aging methods: Destemming, no crushing, cold soak - skin contact, alcoholic fermentation at gradual increasing temperatures, maintenance of wine "sur lies" for eight months with regular stirring. Twelve months in French oak barrel medium grain, white toasting and twelve months in the bottle.
I think this wine could be a great summer addition to BBQs and hamburger cuisine! I am so looking forward to warmer weather!
References:
1. The Greek Grape.
2. Alpha Estate.
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