We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
About This Wine
Stellios Boutaris is the fifth generation winemaker, today heading up Kir-Yianni, founded in 1997 by his father, Yiannis, following his departure from the Boutari family business. Boutari, the largest and oldest wine company in Greece, had been established by Yiannis' grandfather in 1879. Kir-Yianni makes wine across two regions in the north of Greece - Amyndeon and Naoussa, with the aim of producing terroir driven wines that speak of place. In Naoussa, the 58 Ha vineyard is located on the east slopes of Mount Vermion, situated at an altitude of 250 to 350 m.a.s.l. on sandy, clay soils. Located at just 100 km from the Agean Sea, it enjoys a cool, Mediterranean climate. In contrast, Amyndeon is the coldest wine growing region in Greece. At an altitude of 750 m.a.s.l. the climate is continental, tempered only by the presence of four lakes which create a very special microclimate. The soils are poor and sandy, and unaffected by phylloxera. Specialising in the native Greek grape variety - xinomavro, the wines of both Naoussa and Amyndeon have a layered complexity of fruit and serious acidity, which give them a unique character and long ageing potential.
Type | Red Wine |
---|---|
Varietal(s) | Xinomavro |
Country | Greece |
Region | Amyndeon |
Brand | Kir Yianni |
Vintage | 2018 |
About Greek Wines
Greece is a country with a long and rich wine history, it is said that the origins of winemaking here date back 6,500 years. Between the mainland and the country’s numerous islands, many wine styles exist, made mostly from one of Greece’s 300 indigenous grape varieties.
During the 1960’s, Retsina became the national beverage and was associated with Greece and Greek wine worldwide. Retsina is a white or rose wine that derives part of its flavour from pine resin. A storage method from ancient times, pine resin was used to seal wine vessels, keeping air out and infusing the wine with resin aroma. The traditional grape for Retsina is Savatiano with Assyrtiko and Rhoditis sometimes blended in.
Assyrtiko is one of the most popular Greek white grape varieties. From the island of Santorini with volcanic soils, it does not lose its acidity as it ripens. It is sometimes compared to Riesling but with a saline character.
Notable red varieties from Greece include full bodied and fruity Agiorghitiko, Macedonia’s savory and tannic Xinomavro, and Mavrodaphne, used commonly to produce fortified wine in the Peloponnese.