Naoussa's Kir-Yianni was on my list when I returned to North Greece in June. Kir-Yianni estate was founded in 1977 by Yiannis Boutaris. Since 1999 the winery has been under the direction of Yiannis's son, Stellios Boutaris. Stellios took over as winemaker and CEO. The winery now produces over one million bottles a year from two adjacent, but very different, PDO regions (Naoussa and Amnydeon). Kir-Yianni acquired Santorini's Sigalas in 2020. Paris Sigalas remains as winemaker and on the board, with Boutaris as CEO. Clearly, Kir-Yianni's influence under the direction of Stellios will be exciting to watch.
Kir-Yianni Winery is beautifully situated, surrounded by vineyards. As we drove down the road towards the winery I was excited to return after my first visit here in 2015.
The evening before arriving in Naoussa we attended a wine tasting in Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki, June 2022 © Spaswinefood
Amongst the wines there were many options to explore from the Winemakers of North Greece. Since I am a big fan of Xinomavro I focused on these wines.
Blind Wine Tasting, Thessaloniki © Spaswinefood
Kir-Yianni: A Naoussa Story
Kir-Yianni in Naoussa was a delight to revisit. After all, the Naoussa Appellation was the first Greek wine region to be made an official appellation in 1971. Wines produced in Naoussa are required by appellation law to be made from 100% Xinomavro. Yes, that noble indigenous red grape variety. Moreover, some producers make wines from the international grape varieties, such Merlot and Syrah. These wines because of appellation law, are marketed under the Macedonia PGI label. One of my take aways from my recent visit to North Greece was the amazing range and diversity of Xinomavro wines (both PDO and PGI) available. Clearly, there are many exciting wine developments in Naoussa these days. Ktima Kir-Yianni is indeed part of this adventure. The influence of this Naoussa winery continues to inspire wine making in Naoussa and beyond.
Naoussa Wine Country © Spaswinefood
I focused on tasting their Xinomavro wines. This inviting line-up of wines showcased the wide range of Xinomavro wines being produced by Kir-Yianni. While at Kir-Yianni we also enjoyed a very delicious lunch in their restaurant. Amongst the dishes we enjoyed their locally made bread and delicious salad.
Fresh & Delicious Salad, Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood
Pasta, Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood
If we had happen to visit Kir-Yianni, on not such a hot day, then I would enjoyed their beautiful patio setting.
Patio at Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood
During my June visit I could not but remember an earlier visit.
Remembering October 2015
It was indeed night when we arrived at Boutari Winery in Stenimahos Naoussa. Reflecting back on that evening I now realize this was my first introduction to the Naoussa wine region. I cannot think of a better introduction to Naoussa wines than an evening with local producers. That evening we tasted wines from Boutari Naoussa, a well-established, large producer and two younger, small producers Elinos and Kitrvs. Next morning, our first stop was Ktima Kir-Yianni. What a fabulous first-hand introduction to Naoussa's Wine Road it was. I had come to see why Xinomavro is on Fire.
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| Kir-Yianni Vineyard, Naoussa 2015 © Spaswinefood |
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| Kir-Yianni Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
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| Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Ready to Taste Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Ready to Taste Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Let's Explore Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Lunch, Kir-Yianni 2015 © Spaswinefood |
Soon it was time to continue on our Northern Greece wine safari. I wish I could have stayed longer.
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| Kir-Yianni Vineyard, Naoussa 2015 © Spaswinefood |
Is Xinomavro on Fire?
A few days later at #dwcc15 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, as part of a master class entitled Xinomavro on Fire, I would get to re-taste two familiar Xinomavros. These two Xinomavros were included in the group of six chosen to represent Naoussa. They were 1) Kir Yianni, Ramnista XinoMavro, PDO Naoussa 2008 and 2) Boutari, 1879 Legacy Xinomavro Single Vineyard, PDO Naoussa 2007.
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| Xinomavro On Fire, #DWCC15 © Spaswinefood |
It was indeed quite fitting to have been first introduced to Xinomavro wines in 2015. I was most fortunate that my recent wine country travels included a return to Kir-Yiannai.
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