Cuvee Evdemon is flirting with the boundaries of Estate Argyros’ understanding of the Santorinian environment. Biodynamically cultivated, very old Assyrtiko vineyards, at least 150 years old, in Pyrgos giving extremely low yields. Fermented, partially uninoculated, in stainless steel, at cool temperatures and aged for approximately thirty months in stainless steel tanks on fine lees, while a quarter of the blend had twelve months in French oak barriques and then the remaining months in stainless steel. A wine focusing on palate architecture that needs several years in bottle to open up while can reward cellaring for more than fifteen years.
It comes from the French Syrah variety grown in the coolest part of the estate's vineyard, exclusively for the production of rose wine. The grape juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 18°C. It has a bright pomegranate colour. It is served at 10°C and is recommended to be consumed in the first 2 years of its age.
Vinification
The perfect ripening of the grapes and the carefully selected date of harvest, which is practicated during the night, contribute to the preservation of varietal aromas and natural acidity. Destemming and light-crushing is followed by skin-contact at low temperature, longtime-smooth pressing and fermentation under controlled range of temperature in inox tanks. A four months period staying on lees gives certain roundness to this wine.
Specific characteristics
Bright, green-yellow colour. On the nose discreet aromas of white flowers, citrus and lemon peel combined with a sense of minerality. It is a full-bodied wine with an extremely high and refreshing acidity and notes of citrus, stone and chalk dominating in its long aftertaste.
Serving tips
Serve at: 9-11οC. It pairs very well with fishes and fresh mediterranean salads, as well as pastas (with pesto) and a wide selection of fatty cheeses.
Purple almost solid colour. Dense bouquet of aromas, expressed through the scents of lilac and violet, notes of dried and ripe black fruits, ink, herbs and black truffle. Tender mouthfeel, with masculinity and a long, peppery finish.
Fermented and extracted in stainless steel tanks, aged in partly new French barriques for 8 months and 6 months in bottle. Smooth but dense, sweet varietal fruit character. Red cherries, plums, sweet vanilla, cedar notes, thick, full round mouthfeel.
Produced from the Greek indigenous varieties Limnio, Mavroudi and Mavrotragano. Limnio - referred to by Aristophanes as 'Lemnia ampelos' in the 5th century BC - is the oldest Greek variety and dominates wine.
After extraction and completion of alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in special Burgundy oak tanks, the wine is aged in French oak barrels. It has a bright deep purple colour, a complex bouquet of spices with ripe black fruits (blackberry), raisins, coffee and cocoa.
On the palate, gentle tannins are supported by plenty of fruit, creating power and balance. The finish is persistent with a repeat of the spices. It shows great ageing potential and is served at 16-18 °C.
Exuberant aromas of flowers, citrus and lemon blossoms complemented by a rich mouthfeel.
Vinification
Modern technological vinification using the "pre-fermentation maceration" method at 10°C. One third of the wine is placed in stainless steel tanks, another third in amphorae and the remainder in large oak barrels of the "foudres" type, where fermentation takes place and is completed. The wine remains and matures with its fine lees for about 4 months.
Tasting notes - Ageing
A wine with exuberant aromas of flowers, citrus and lemon blossom with great intensity. Its flavour is characterised by a rich body in harmony with its acidity. It ages for 3 to 5 years.
Ideal combination with food
White meats and fish with lemon & spicy sauces.
Authentic and rich character of the variety. Citrus aromas, iodine notes and a sense of minerality with a lively, rich and well-structured body.
Vinification
Collection of grapes and placing in cold storage. Use of pneumatic press on whole unripe grapes. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks using selected yeasts at a temperature of 16-17°C. The wine is then left on the fine lees for about 3 months.
Tasting characteristics - Ageing
Authentic and rich character of the variety. Bright, straw-blue colour. Distinctive aromas of mainly citrus fruits, notes of iodine and a sense of minerality that waits patiently to become more pronounced with time. Lively, rich and well-structured body, long and persistent aftertaste.
Ideal combination with food
Carpaccio, shrimp pasta, seafood.
From the Assyrtiko variety, the Gymni Queen, stands out for its minerality, rich mouthfeel and finesse.
Vinification
The meticulous sorting, the stay of the stems in pre-fermentative maceration and the gentle treatment during vinification protect the "sacred minerality" of the variety and its rich aromatic character.
Aromas
The Naked Queen, has aromas of citrus, minerality and honey notes, thanks to the gentle presence of the acacia barrel. On the palate, it has a very balanced body, acidity, saltiness and a long finish.
Combinations
The intensity of the wine, its fine acidity and its exuberant body are ideal with dishes such as Mediterranean, salty, fatty dishes and creamy textures.
Region / Location / Vineyard:
Amyndeon plateau. Amyndeon viticulture zone. North-western Macedonia. "Children’s" & "Alpheta" sub-regions. 69ha of Linear, privately owned vineyard situated at an altitude of 620-710m.
Vinification Method:
Skin contact for many hours, depending on the winemakers evaluation, controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks with cooling jackets, maintenance of wine "sur lies" for four months with regular stirring.
Tasting Characteristics:
Brilliantly, light yellow in color with greenish tints. Strong and lively nose, typical Sauvignon Blanc, suggesting gooseberry, passion fruits, melon, litchi with a note of honeysuckle. Round and mellow on the palate, quite fat balanced although, with plenty of finesse. Crispy and well structured, reminding the nose aromas with a hint of lime. A richly textured wine with superb length and balance. A classy wine with long finish and persistent aromas.
Harmony:
Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc accompanies perfectly a huge range of “fruit de mer” dishes, grilled fishes, eastern gastronomy and pastas.
Coffee, licorice, chocolate, vanilla and fruit in alcohol constitute a complex nose, while the finesse and the refined tannins characterize the mouth feel.
The grapes are selected from a single vineyard at their aromatic peak. A combination of traditional and modern winemaking methods is applied to release the full aromatic and taste potential of the Moschofilero.
The scent of quince, dried apricots and red apples are followed by a crisp acidity and a citrus peel aftertaste.
