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Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve Old Vines Ecosystem- Barba Yannis 2018 750ml

size
750ml
country
Greece
region
Macedonia
WA
93
DC
90
Additional vintages
2019 2018 2017
WA
93
Rated 93 by Wine Advocate
The 2018 Xinomavro Ecosystem Reserve Vielles Vignes Barba Yannis Single Block was aged for 24 months in new French barriques and comes in at 13.82% alcohol. The "old vines" references ungrafted bush vines from 1919. One of the best red deals in Greece on a consistent basis, this is always distinguished for modest money. The winery has more expensive wines, but I'm not sure it has better ones in most years. As with the Alpha One, also reviewed, this has a lot of oak in the description but handles it surprisingly well. Also like the Alpha One, it won't exactly be the best choice for oak-a-phobes. Still, the fruit and structure are in charge here, not the wood. It is hardly offensive. It has more grip on the finish than the Hedgehog Xinomavro (if you're wondering why to trade up), and it feels fuller in the mouth, even though it is no riper. I wasn't sure this would be on par with last year's, but it evolved well and should have plenty of room for improvement in the cellar. It could use a year or three in the cellar to become more complex and harmonious, but it is approachable now. It should then age well, for another 15 years or so, give or take. Xinomavro doesn't die easily, so that may be conservative. It's another winner in this fine brand. ... More details
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Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve Old Vines Ecosystem- Barba Yannis 2018 750ml

SKU 890403
Out of Stock
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Winery Alpha Estate
green grapes

Varietal: Xinomavro

In Macedonia and many parts of mountainous Greece, the dry and arid landscape have proven to be an ideal home for the Xinomavro varietal grape. This native varietal has been cultivated and processed for over a thousand years in this part of Europe, and is beginning to be experimented with elsewhere in the world where the climatic conditions are suitable for its type. The name of the grape means 'acid black' in Greek, referring to both the color of the skin, and the fact that this particular varietal holds a relatively high acid content. However, the Xinomavro grape is most widely celebrated for its tannin-rich character, which makes it an ideal grape for barrel aging This process reveals many of the wonderful flavors and aromas the complex Xinomavro grape holds, and is a real treat for lovers of dark and interesting red wines.
fields

Country: Greece

Few countries in the world can claim such an illustrious history of viticulture as that found in Greece, just as few countries can benefit from such an impressive range of terrain as that found across the mainland and islands of this ancient and fascinating land. When we consider that grapes are grown everywhere from the tiny islands in the Aegean sea, to larger land masses such as Rhodes and Crete, on the arid and rocky mainland and mountainous regions of Greek Macedonia, it is no wonder Greek wines show such huge diversity in style, flavor, aroma and character. One thing remains consistent, however, and that is the dedication to producing distinctly 'Greek' wines, full of characteristics which reflect the slow evolution of viticulture in a country which has been producing wine for several thousand years. Whilst certain wines, such as Retsina and those made from the Agiorghitiko grapes have long since been popular with fine wine drinkers world-wide, Greek wineries are continuing to produce superb wines using a wide range of native and imported grape varietals, meaning there are always plenty of new flavors and aromas to discover.