Alpha Estate, Amyndeon, Macedonia

Alpha Estate was founded in 1997 by viticulturist Makis Mavridis and oenologist Angelos Iatridis, with the aim of producing world-class wines from estate-grown grapes. The Estate is located in Amyndeon, an appellation in Macedonia, northern Greece, which is recognised for its unique terroir and the quality of its wines. At an altitude of 620-710m, it is one of the coolest regions of Greece where considerable rainfall and winter snow provide vines with the necessary water to endure relatively dry summers. Additionally, two neighbouring lakes moderate the local climate, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, in mild conditions. Poor soils with good drainage create a slight water deficit for the vines, resulting in small berries with intense colour, concentrated flavours and aromas. The 75 hectares of vineyards at Alpha Estate are entirely privately owned, a rarity in Greece, ensuring complete control of the vineyards, which are cultivated sustainably and with an absolute focus on quality. The vineyards include a very special, ungrafted Xinomavro parcel, planted in 1919, along with new plantings (from 1995 onwards) of both indigenous and international varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Malagouzia, Pinot Noir, Negro Amaro, Montepulciano, Tannat, Barbera, Mavrodaphne, Merlot, Syrah and Xinomavro.