Angelos Iatrides is one of the great winemakers of Greece. His experimentation and success with international varietals like Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc brought him renown, but for me his work with the native grape Xinomavro is what he will be best known for. We often call Xinomavro the Nebbiolo of Greece because they share some similar structural and flavor characteristics. With Angelos' version though, it's more reminiscent of a northern Italian Nebbiolo-Barbera blend. It has wonderful black plum and cherry fruit flavors, notes of herbs and spices that signify the character of Xino but it is the texture and balance of the wine where I find the comparison most applicable. It has a smoother less puckering texture than a bolder, chewier Xinomavro. This beauty is made for food. Ideal with grilled pork, herb roasted fowl or even a lightly marinated skirt steak. For the price this is a serious, and seriously fun, red to add to your weeknight wine rotation. And it will be from one of Greece's top producers!

The very pretty translucent ruby color in the glass gives a little promise of what's to come. The nose is soft and creamy, filled with strawberry jam, sweet rhubarb compote, and touches of oak and barrel spice. The palate is incredibly lush and pretty, the fruit is still creamy and very ripe, bursting with strawberry and dusty cherry and just a little tiny grip of tannin. This is a very accessible bottle of Xinomavro, and for those who are looking to start their Grecian journey, it's a great place to begin; it's friendly and soft and so incredibly approachable. There's enough acidity that this could play nicely with a number of meal choices, but it's soft enough that it could serve as an aperitif or with passed appetizers as well if you were so inclined. Just pop and enjoy a little taste of Greece, it's that simple sometimes.

Notes of cherry compote, pomegranate, hibiscus, black tea, dried rose petals, hint of potting soil. Juicy, savory, earthy, and spicy on the palate. This single vineyard 'Hedgehog' bottling by Alpha Estate is the perfect introduction to Xinomavro, Northern Greece's signature red varietal.