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Buy any 6 bottles and save 5%. Buy any 12 bottles and save 10% (excludes wines on offer). Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Tel: 02922 337454
Buy any 6 bottles and save 5%. Buy any 12 bottles and save 10% (excludes wines on offer). Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Tel: 02922 337454
2023 Xinomavro 'Hedgehog Vineyard', Alpha Estate

2023 Xinomavro 'Hedgehog Vineyard', Alpha Estate

Macedonia, Greece

This is Xinomavro with real northern Greek character: fragrant, savoury and full of energy. Red cherry, plum and ripe blackberry lead the nose, followed by dried tomato, oregano, olive, leather, clove, vanilla and a touch of black pepper. It has the grip and aromatic complexity that makes Xinomavro so exciting, but Alpha Estate gives it polish and generosity too.

On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, fresh and finely structured, with dark fruit, savoury herbs and polished tannins carrying a long, spicy finish. There is enough richness to satisfy lovers of bold reds, but the acidity and herbal lift keep everything lively. A brilliant bottle for anyone who enjoys Nebbiolo, Sangiovese or structured Pinot Noir, but wants something with a distinctly Greek soul.

For when
A roast dinner needs something savoury and unexpected.

Pairs with
Lamb chops, slow-cooked beef, roast pork, spicy sausages, rabbit stew, grilled aubergine, stuffed peppers, tomato-based pasta, hard cheeses or chargrilled mushrooms.

Alpha Estate’s Hedgehog Vineyard sits high on the Amyndeon plateau in north-western Macedonia, where altitude, cool conditions and lake influence help shape Xinomavro with freshness and definition. The sandy and sandy-clay soils over limestone bring structure and savoury detail, while careful oak ageing gives the wine extra depth and polish. It is a superb introduction to one of Greece’s most important red grapes.

Whats in the bottle
100% Xinomavro

Notable Awards
95 points – Decanter World Wine Awards 2026

£23.95 - £23.95
£23.95
£23.95 - £23.95
£23.95
Availability:
In stock

Alpha Estate is one of the leading modern wineries of northern Greece, based in Amyndeon in western Macedonia. Founded by viticulturist Makis Mavridis and winemaker Angelos Iatridis, the estate has played a major role in showing how precise, high-altitude Greek wines can be when native varieties are grown with serious intent.

The vineyards sit on the Amyndeon plateau, one of Greece’s coolest wine regions, where altitude, mountain air and nearby lakes help preserve freshness and aromatic detail. This makes the area especially well suited to Xinomavro, Greece’s great structured red variety, known for its red fruit, firm tannins, savoury complexity and ability to age.

Alpha Estate combines detailed vineyard work with a polished, contemporary cellar approach. The result is wine that feels both authentic and accessible: rooted in Greek place and grape variety, but made with the clarity and consistency modern drinkers expect.

The 2023 Xinomavro 'Hedgehog Vineyard' is 100% Xinomavro from the Hedgehog sub-region of Amyndeon in north-western Macedonia. The vineyard sits at around 690m altitude, with northern exposure facing Lake Petron and Mount Voras. Soils are sandy and sandy clay over limestone, giving excellent drainage and helping build freshness, structure and savoury complexity.

The grapes are destemmed without crushing, followed by cold soak and skin contact before fermentation at gradually increasing temperatures. The wine is kept on its lees for eight months with regular stirring, then aged for 12 months in French oak before a further 12 months in bottle before release.

The result is a structured but polished Xinomavro, with plum, red berries, dried herbs, tomato leaf, olive and spice wrapped around fresh acidity and firm but rounded tannins. It is ready to enjoy now with generous food, especially lamb, beef or tomato-rich dishes, but it also has the savoury backbone to develop further in bottle.