Description

The Kir-Yianni company was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris. Based in Naoussa and Amyndeon, on both sides of mount Vermion in Northwestern Greece. With vineyards in Naoussa and Amyndeon planted to native and international varieties, they have scope to make some truly amazing wines. Their best is by far the Xinomavro based reds.

Smokey, earthy, mineral blood orange and ironstone, red currants with a hint of development. The palate has good weight and still nicely balanced. The extra year or two in bottle has mellowed this out compared to younger Xinomavro and it serves to make this easier to get along with immediately. Serve this with stew or game.

Xinomavro

The most distinguished variety of Northern Greece mostly famously in the Macedonian PDO Naoussa. These wines are dense with silky mouthfeel, big tannins and good acidity. In fact, the name means “Acid Black”. These wines have a lot of layers and age well. Often compared to Nebbiolo from Italy it tastes of red fruits, olives, spice and dried tomatoes.

PDO Naoussa 

The Protected Designation of Origin Naoussa (PDO Naoussa), reflecting the lush and varied vineyards of Naoussa, takes its name from the eponymous city, though several other communes are encompassed in the appellation. The wines of PDO Naoussa are 100% Xinomavro by law, and always red. In general, they are sturdy, tannic wines in youth and capable of long ageing. They are the most full-bodied of the Xinomavro appellations and offer a dazzling display of aromatic complexity, spanning the spectrum of the variety’s aromatic potential.

Macedonia

The Northernmost part of Greece that survived war, phylloxera and emigration to now be thriving. PDO Naoussa makes possibly the best wines in Greece from Xinomavro. The whites of Epanomi PGI and Sparkling wines of Amyntaio PDO and Florina PGI are worth a mention too.