ALPHA UTOPIA 2007, VdP Florina

ALPHA ESTATE UTOPIA
FLORINA PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)
Variety Composition: Tannat 95% and Xinomavro 5%.
Region: Amyndeon plateau. Amyndeon viticulture zone. North-western Macedonia.
Vineyard: 69ha of Linear, privately owned vineyard situated at an altitude of 620-710 m. “Hedgehog” sub-region. 690m altitude, with northern exposure, facing lake Petron and mount Voras.
Soil: Sandy - sandy clay soil of excellent drainage quit deep based on a quit thin limestone layer
Climate: Semi continental with important precipitations, many snowfalls during winters. Fresh, rather dry summers, with cool nights. Year long Northwestern winds. Absence of spring frost.
Harvest: Manual harvesting in small picking boxes. End of September, beginning of October.
Yield: 3.600 – 3.900 kg / ha, post to green harvest & selection.
Density of Plantation: 3.900 shoots / ha.
Vinification Method: Destemming, no crushing, cold soak - skin contact under controlled conditions, alcoholic fermentation at gradual increase temperatures, maintenance of wine “sur lie” for eight months with regular stirring.
Ageing: Eighteen months in Allie - Bertrange new oak casks medium toast. No treatment or filtration before bottling and eighteen months in bottles.
Tasting Characteristics: Opaque ruby color. Fine, rich, intense. Black crystalline fruits, cassis, leather, cocoa, spices. Full body, creamy, with tasty ripe tannins. Well balanced and round with excellent development in the mouth and long aftertaste.
Harmony: Excellent assortment with red juicy meats, barbecued with spicy sauces. Adorable
combination with chestnut and plums cooked meat.
Best served at 16-18 C.