Alpha Estate : Blend S.M.X. (Syrah, Xinomavro, Merlot) 2019

The depth and complexity of a great Greek ageing wine

The estate

Alpha Estate was founded in 1995 by two wine enthusiasts: Angelos Iatridis, who is now the estate’s cellar master, and Makis Mavridis, who now looks after the vineyards. In 2011 the estate began exporting a large proportion of its wines and in 2014 Alpha Estate was listed in Wine & Spirit Magazine's Best World 100 Wineries - a position it went on to achieve again in 2019 and 2021. The estate was also voted European Winery of the Year in 2020 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine.

The vineyard

Alpha Estate's vineyards cover 220 hectares and are divided into six separate vineyards. All are located close to the winery in the heart of the Amyndeon appellation in Greece. The viticulture method used at the estate pays careful attention to the needs of the soil, plants and vines in order to preserve the ecosystems. Thanks to the sustainable methods used at Alpha Estate, the estate was awarded the "Certified Sustainable Viticulture" label in 2008.

Blend S.M.X. 2019 is a Macedonian and Thracian wine made from vines located at an altitude of 620 to 710 metres. The soil is sandy-clay and well drained. The climate is semi-continental with a good amount of rain, snowfall and dry summers.

Winemaking and ageing

After being harvested by hand, the grapes are taken to the cellar to begin a very precise vinification process. The grapes are destemmed and lightly pressed. The vinification is done in contact with the skins and the fermentation is based on indigenous yeasts. The wine remains in contact with its lees for several months with regular stirring. Finally, the wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels. The wine is not filtered before bottling and is aged for a further 12 months in bottle before being released onto the market.

Blend

Blend S.M.X. 2019 is the result of a blend of Syrah (60%), Xinomavro (20%) and Merlot (20%).