Alpha Estate Syrah Single Vineyard "Turtles" 2019

The Alpha Estate Syrah Single Vineyard "Turtles" 2019 is a premium red wine made entirely from the Syrah grape. It hails from the Amyndeon region in Northern Greece, known for its cool climate and ideal conditions for growing Syrah, as well as other varieties like Xinomavro. This wine is part of Alpha Estate's high-end collection, showcasing the best of their vineyard sites.

Here are the ingredient and information details for this wine:

Key Information:

• Producer: Alpha Estate
• Wine Name: Syrah Single Vineyard "Turtles"
• Vintage: 2019
• Grape Variety: 100% Syrah
• Region: Amyndeon, Northern Greece
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Around 14% (may vary slightly by bottling)
• Wine Style: Dry, Full-bodied Red

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Deep ruby to dark purple color.
• Aroma: Intense and aromatic with notes of ripe dark fruits such as blackberries, black plums, and cherries. The wine also has subtle spicy notes (like black pepper and cloves), along with earthy undertones and hints of tobacco, smoke, and leather.
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with a smooth texture. It exhibits complex layers of black fruit flavors—blackberry, cassis, and plum—complemented by savory notes of olive, herbs, and spices. The wine has balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins, giving it good structure.
• Finish: A long, persistent finish with hints of dark chocolate, spice, and earthiness.

Winemaking:

• Vineyard: The "Turtles" vineyard is located in a single vineyard area known for its unique terroir. The vineyard is named "Turtles" due to the presence of turtle fossils found in the soil. This vineyard lies at a high altitude, where the cooler climate allows for slow ripening, resulting in balanced wines with fresh acidity and complex flavors.
• Fermentation: The Syrah grapes are carefully hand-harvested and fermented in small batches to preserve the individual character of the fruit. Fermentation is typically done in stainless steel or wooden vats.
• Aging: After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for approximately 12-18 months. This aging process adds complexity and integrates the fruit and oak characteristics.

Food Pairing:

• Red meats: Grilled or roasted lamb, beef steaks, or game meats.
• Cheese: Aged cheeses such as Gruyère, Manchego, or aged Gouda.
• Rich dishes: Beef stews, braised meats, and Mediterranean dishes with olive oil-based sauces.

About the Producer:

Alpha Estate is one of Greece's top wineries, recognized for its commitment to quality winemaking. The estate is located in the cooler, higher-altitude vineyards of Amyndeon, where the climate is more suitable for premium grape growing. Alpha Estate uses a combination of indigenous Greek and international varieties to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Their philosophy focuses on sustainable farming, minimal intervention, and showcasing the natural expression of the grapes.

The Syrah Single Vineyard "Turtles" 2019 represents one of the best examples of Syrah from this region, offering a unique expression of the grape with a Greek twist. It is a wine that can age well and develop further complexity over time.