Alpha Estate Xinomavro Hedgehog 2023
Alpha Estate Xinomavro Hedgehog 2023 is a dry, full-bodied red from Xinomavro (Macedonia, Greece), in the medium, savoury reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity very high; oak influence is some. Good with lamb, Greek food, bolognese, pizza. Drink now or within 15 years (to about 2038). Decant for about 30 minutes. Critic score 93/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aglianico del Vulture, Le Ralle, Alovini 2021 Alovini · Basilicata | £14.95 | |||
| Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico 2022 Ruffino · Tuscany | £22.63 | |||
| Las Pampas Chenin Blanc, Mendoza 2024 Santa Julia · Mendoza | £11.80 | |||
| Kir-Yianni Ramnista Xinomavro 2021 Kir-Yianni · Naoussa | £19.55 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Widely regarded as one of Greece's most renowned wineries, Alpha Estate is located on the Amyndeon plateau in Macedonia. The company, founded in 1995, owns approximately 220 hectares of vineyards and produces a wide range of award-winning wines based on indigenous and international grape varieties. In 2014, the winery made it onto Wine & Spirits Magazine's list of the 100 best wineries in the world. Xinomavro grapes are sourced from the Hedgehog vineyard, which covers 69 hectares on the Amyndeon Plateau at an altitude of 620 to 710 meters, overlooking Lake Petron and Mount Voras. After harvest and alcoholic fermentation, the wine rests on the lees for eight months before aging for a year in French oak and a further 12 months in the bottle. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense purple hue and a rich, complex aromatic profile, with notes of wild berries that intertwine with hints of leather, pepper, cloves, and vanilla. On the palate, it is round and smooth, concentrated and full-bodied, with a well-balanced acidity and soft tannins. The finish is long and gently spicy. Try it with rabbit stew, spicy grilled sausages, or tagliatelle in hare sauce.