2023 Alpha Estate - Chardonnay Tramonto Single Block (750ml)

Alpha Estate was founded in 1997 by viticulturist Makis Mavridis and Bordeaux-trained oenologist Angelos Iatridis, who chose the cool, high-altitude Amyndeon plateau in Florina, northwest Greece, near the Albanian border. Two neighboring lakes moderate the climate, letting grapes ripen slowly. The estate is privately owned, a rarity in Greece, and farmed sustainably. Today the founders’ daughters, Angeliki Iatridou and Emorfili Mavridou, carry the vision forward.

The 2023 Alpha Estate Chardonnay Ecosystem Tramonto is 100% Chardonnay from a single block in the Strofi sub-region, grown at 620 to 710 meters above sea level on the limestone Amyndeon plateau. Grapes receive low-temperature skin contact under inert atmosphere, then ferment in medium-toast Vosges oak barriques with regular lees stirring. The wine remains in the same casks for up to seven months before bottling, and it carries the PGI Florina designation.

Fresh apricot, honeysuckle and lemon lead the nose, joined by a note of fresh hazelnut. Full-bodied yet bright, the palate is creamy from lees contact, with citrus freshness and gentle toasty oak. Mountain-grown acidity keeps the texture lifted and carries the finish with clarity and length.