Search Results
Karanika Xinomavro Brut Cuvee Speciale NV
91+
Our Score
(8/2018) This unique sparkler comes from an unlikely place (northern Greece) and made from an unlikely grape (100% Xinomavro), but it is seriously delicious and will give many bottlings of Champagne a run for their money! This gem of a bubbly is harvested from high-elevation old vines (planted in the 1970's) that are farmed using biodynamic practices. It is produced using the traditional method (methode traditionelle) and sees about 15 months on the lees, riddled and disgorged by hand with little to no dosage. This bone dry, bright and lively sparkler gives off toasty and yeasty notes to go along with delicious pure orchard fruits. The precision and balance here is undeniable. The popular blog "vinepair" writes "one of the best sparkling wines produced in the country." We wholeheartedly agree!
(8/2018) This unique sparkler comes from an unlikely place (northern Greece) and made from an unlikely grape (100% Xinomavro), but it is seriously delicious and will give many bottlings of Champagne a run for their money! This gem of a bubbly is harvested from high-elevation old vines (planted in the 1970's) that are farmed using biodynamic practices. It is produced using the traditional method (methode traditionelle) and sees about 15 months on the lees, riddled and disgorged by hand with little to no dosage. This bone dry, bright and lively sparkler gives off toasty and yeasty notes to go along with delicious pure orchard fruits. The precision and balance here is undeniable. The popular blog "vinepair" writes "one of the best sparkling wines produced in the country." We wholeheartedly agree!
$
2799
Discount:
750 ML
Alpha Estate "Hedgehog Vineyard" Xinomavro 2015
90
Wine & Spirits
90+
Wine Advocate
(6/29/2018) "The 2015 Xinomavro Hedgehog Vineyard was aged for 12 months in an equal mixture of new and second use French oak and comes in at 12.8% alcohol. If you want to know why this region and grape have a reputation for acidity, this issue certainly shows you. This is one good example. Silky yet fruity, without a lot of concentration but with enlivening lift to the fruit and plenty of power, this has all those old-school Xinomavro nuances of earth and amber to go with the big hits of acidity. These types of Xinomavro make me think 'Nebbiolo' every time. In fact, this often seems to have more rusticity than Alpha's upper-level (and typically more refined) Vielles Vignes bottling. When these old-school types come down the road, you are best off letting them rest a bit and coming back in a few years. The acidity and tannins will preserve them for a long time, perhaps longer than expected, so there is no rush. This is a fine value that does a lot of great things that wines in this price category often do not-but you will need some patience, and it does have to be your style. Drink Date: 2020 - 2035."
(6/29/2018) "The 2015 Xinomavro Hedgehog Vineyard was aged for 12 months in an equal mixture of new and second use French oak and comes in at 12.8% alcohol. If you want to know why this region and grape have a reputation for acidity, this issue certainly shows you. This is one good example. Silky yet fruity, without a lot of concentration but with enlivening lift to the fruit and plenty of power, this has all those old-school Xinomavro nuances of earth and amber to go with the big hits of acidity. These types of Xinomavro make me think 'Nebbiolo' every time. In fact, this often seems to have more rusticity than Alpha's upper-level (and typically more refined) Vielles Vignes bottling. When these old-school types come down the road, you are best off letting them rest a bit and coming back in a few years. The acidity and tannins will preserve them for a long time, perhaps longer than expected, so there is no rush. This is a fine value that does a lot of great things that wines in this price category often do not-but you will need some patience, and it does have to be your style. Drink Date: 2020 - 2035."
$
1899
Discount:
750 ML
