Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro is a polished, modern expression of one of Greece’s most distinctive red grapes. Xinomavro’s naturally high acidity and firm tannins are still very much present, but here they are wrapped in ripe raspberry, redcurrant and damson fruit, with the variety’s characteristic savoury notes of dried tomato, herbs and subtle olive emerging as the wine opens. Ageing in French oak adds clove, vanilla and gentle toast without masking the fruit, while the high-altitude vineyards of Amyndeon bring freshness and aromatic lift. There is plenty of structure, but the tannins are refined and well integrated, making this considerably more approachable in its youth than some traditional Xinomavro. If you enjoy Nebbiolo, particularly more polished Langhe styles, there is plenty here to love – floral perfume, bright red fruit, savoury complexity and the ability to develop beautifully with age.
Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro, Producer
Alpha Estate was founded in 1997 by experienced viticulturist Makis Mavridis and oenologist Angelos Iatridis in Amyndeon, Florina, in north-western Greece. From the beginning, the project was designed around close control of the entire process, from vineyard management through to bottling. The winery itself sits within the estate vineyards, allowing grapes to travel from vine to cellar in as little time as possible, while gravity is used extensively throughout the winemaking process to minimise unnecessary handling.
Today, Alpha Estate has become one of the leading names in modern Greek wine, combining international varieties with a particular commitment to the indigenous Xinomavro grape. Its privately owned vineyards sit on the high Amyndeon plateau, where the cool climate and elevated position produce wines with naturally bright acidity, perfume and impressive ageing potential.
Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro, Terroir & Winemaking
The grapes come specifically from the Hedgehog subregion of the Amyndeon plateau, within Alpha Estate’s extensive privately owned vineyards. The vines grow at approximately 620–710 metres above sea level on sandy to sandy-clay soils lying over limestone. These free-draining soils, together with Amyndeon’s cool climate and high elevation, encourage gradual ripening and help Xinomavro retain the acidity and aromatic definition for which the grape is known.
Harvesting is carried out by hand into small 15kg baskets, with careful selection helping keep yields relatively low. After fermentation and extraction, the wine matures for approximately 12 months in Allier French oak casks, followed by a further 12 months in bottle before release. This extended maturation rounds Xinomavro’s naturally firm tannins while introducing spice and subtle toast without removing the grape’s distinctive red-fruit and savoury character.
Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro, Tasting Notes
Bright ruby-red in colour, gradually taking on garnet tones as it develops. The nose is complex and expressive, opening with wild strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant and damson plum. Floral notes sit alongside black pepper, clove and delicate vanilla, while more savoury aromas of leather, dried herbs and sun-dried tomato emerge with air.
The palate is structured but beautifully balanced, with lively acidity running through ripe red berry and plum fruit. Fine, rounded tannins give the wine grip without excessive dryness, while well-integrated oak contributes gentle spice and toast. Savoury notes become increasingly apparent towards the finish, with touches of dried tomato, herbs and quince giving the wine a distinctly Xinomavro character.
Alpha Estate Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro, Food pairing suggestion: Beef Stifado with Pearl Onions, Tomato and Cinnamon
Did you know?
The name Xinomavro translates roughly as “sour black” – xino referring to its naturally sharp acidity and mavro meaning black. It is one of Greece’s most important indigenous red varieties and is particularly associated with Macedonia in the north of the country.
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