Kokotos Estate wines showcase a sense of place

Athens is one of the world's major cities with wine country nearby. Ktima Kokotos, a lovely estate surrounded by nature, is just 23 km north of Athens. When the winelover community held their 10th #Winelover Anniversary Celebrations in Greece June 10-13, 2022 we visited Kokotos Estate, a boutique family winery in Stamata, in East Attica. There we met up with Anne Kokotos. Kokotos is truly beautiful estate, which I was delighted to visit given I had tasted their wines on prior occasions. They produce amazing wines that showcase a sense of place. 

Kokotos Estate, Attica  © Spaswinefood

There were thousands of hectares of grapes planted in Attica, which was Greece’s most important wine-producing region at the turn of the 20th century. From the mid-1960’s onwards most of them disappeared, as the city expanded in all directions. The problem was further compounded by the fact that land ownership was divided into thousands of plots, leading to many grape growers to abandon viticulture altogether. Moreover, when the Athens airport relocated in 2001 to its current location in Spata, more than 1,800 hectares of vineyards were sacrificed in the process. However, fortunately this was offset by a decree ruling that all the surrounding land will remain farmland indefinitely. This saved a large part of Attica’s vineyards. 

Welcome to Kokotos Estate © Spaswinefood

Welcome to Kokotos Estate

This beautiful wine estate is located on the northern slopes of Mount Pendeli, where in ancient times the god of wine Dionysus was worshipped. Upon arrival we were greeted by Anne Kokotos who, along with her husband, George founded their winery in 1980's. After exchanging greetings we were off with Anne to explore the vineyards, and check out the wine cellar.

#Winelovers Explore Kokotos Estate © Spaswinefood

The estate’s seven hectares, are spread over a hilltop on the north eastern slopes of Mt Pendeli. From the hilltop there are views of the Attic basin, and on a clear day you can see as far as the island of Evia.

Kokotos Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

We toured their organically farmed estate vineyard, which grows international varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer, and two Greek varieties: Assyrtiko and Savatiano. Kokotos Estate also produces wines from two other Greek grape varieties: Roditis and Agiorgitiko that they buy from selected grape growers. 

Touring Kokotos Estate © Spaswinefood

By the time we arrived back at the tasting room it was clear to me that Anne Kokotos brings not only passion but also, an expertise to wine production at their family winery. Clearly, the walls at the entrance to the tasting room highlighted the many awards for their wines however, there was one plaque that caught my attention. It was the recognition of Anne Kokotos as being the best sommelier in Europe in 2002.

Winelovers  Tasting Kokotos Estate Wines © Spaswinefood

Kokotos Estate Wines

The estate is known for its elegant and sophisticated wines. During the tasting we tasted the following wines:

Kokotos Estate Wines © Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting, Kokotos Estate © Spaswinefood

It is not surprising to me that Kokotos Estate produces wonderful wines given a world class sommelier founded her home here.

Earlier Kokotos Estate Wine Memories

Visiting Kokotos Estate and tasting their wines brought back earlier wine memories for me. I would like to note that my first introduction to Kokotos Estate wines at Cinque Wine Bar, Athens in 2016. The two wines (one white and one red) that I tasted were:

1. Savatiano G. Kokotos 2014 

Savatiano G. Kokotos 2014 © Spaswinefood

Savatiano G. Kokotos 2014 © Spaswinefood

This well made Savatiano was a wonderful first introduction to Kokotos Estate wines. Savatiano, the pre-dominant grape variety in Attica was well-known for its use in the making of Retsina. However, when Savatiano is a well made white wine, it has status in its own right. 

Kokotos Estate is known for wines produced from international grape varieties, such the red wine that I  tasted.

Kokotos Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Kokotos Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 © Spaswinefood

In fact the very day I was at Cinque Wine Bar two young women dropped by the wine bar. They ordered Kokotos Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. I asked why they selected this specific wine. They said it was their favorite. After my first introduction I looked forward to sampling more Kokotos Estate wines. The opportunity arose on our last morning adventure, as part of the #Winelover 4th Anniversary celebrations in 2016, at the Museum of Wine in Pallini, just outside Athens. There we tasted wines from Attica producers who are members of the Wines of Athens Association. 

 Reflections, Museum of Wine, Pallini 2016 © Spaswinefood

Anna Aga was one of the winemakers pouring wines at this event for Kokotos Estate. In fact Anna was winemaker at Kokotos Estate at that time.

Anna, Pouring Kokotos Estate Wines © Spaswinefood

At this event I tasted the following Kokotos wines:

White Wines
1.   Savatiano G. Kokotos 2014

 Savatiano G. Kokotos 2014 © Spaswinefood

This was my second time tasting this wine. Since Savatiano is a new wine for me it was important to taste more than once.

2. Kokotos Estate, Agrimi 2015 

Kokotos Estate, Agrimi 2015  © Spaswinefood

This wine was made from Roditis 60% & Savatiano 40%.

3. Kokotos Estate, Perdika sto Ampli 2015

Kokotos Estate, Perdika sto Ampeli (Partridge in the Vines) 2015 © Spaswinefood

This wine was made from 100% Assyrtiko.

4. Kokotos Estate, Tris Tris Parades 2015

Kokotos Estate, Tris Tris Parades 2015 © Spaswinefood

Tris Tris Parades gets its name from a bird around the grape vines that eats the grapes. It makes a "Tris Tris" like sound. The wine was made from 60% Gewürztraminer and 40% Roditis.

5. Kokotos Estate, Chardonnay 2014 

Kokotos Estate, Chardonnay 2014 © Spaswinefood

Rose Wine
6. Kokotos Estate, Klefta Kissa 2014

Kokotos Estate, Klefta Kissa (Thieving Magpie) 2014© Spaswinefood

Klefta Kissa, a rose wine, was made from a blend of Merlot 70% and Cabernet Sauvignon 30%.

Red Wines
I did not have enough time to tasted all of the wines during the wine tasting. However, during lunch I managed to re-taste Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 and sample the 2012 vintage for the first time.

7. Kokotos Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 & 2011

Kokotos Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 & 2011 © Spaswinefood

Yes, lunch at the museum was a great opportunity to checkout more wines. This time with food.

Kokotos Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 & & Klefta Kissa 2014 © Spaswinefood

 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 & Klefta Kissa 2014 © Spaswinefood

Based on my experiences you must try: their flawless Savatiano, their elegant Chardonnay, and the award-winning Kokotos Estate Red.

Kokotos Estate is where a world class sommelier, Anne Kokotos and her husband found their home. Given Kokotos Estate’s location (1) on rolling northern slopes of Mount Pendeli, a region which has been known for its wine production since antiquity; (2) within an hours drive from the centre of Athens, has contributed to the estate’s success; and in addition (3) their wines have received an impressive number of national and international awards. Those who have yet discover Kokotos Estate wines now is the time. It took me sometime since I first tasted their wines in 2016 at Cinque Wine Bar, Athens and the Wine Museum to visit the winery. Kokotos Estate wines are indeed wines that showcase a sense of place. I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Greece at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Twitter and Facebook.  

Sharon

June 2022
Athens, Greece

© Spaswinefood

#Winelovers Visiting Kokotos Estate, 2022 © Spaswinefood

Kokotos Estate, Perdika sto Ampli, 2015 © Spaswinefood

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North Greece's Kir-Yianni: A Naoussa wine story

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, Naoussa, June 2022 © Spaswinefood

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.

Kir-Yianni, June 2022 © Spaswinefood

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

One of my discoveries at this tasting was the rich diversity of Xinomavro wines (red, rosé, and sparkling). I believe this was the perfect welcome back to North Greece. While I was busy checking out Xinomavro my friend Carol discovered Malagousa but that is another wine story. North Greece has many wine stories. 

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

Once I planned our Naoussa wine country adventure of course I just had to stop by Ktima Kir-Yianni.  Kir-Yianni's story began when Yiannis Boutaris acquired 50 hectares in 1968. The first Xinomavro vines were planted in the 1970's. This initiated the production of terroir wines. Research has since suggested that Naoussa has the potential of being divided into 13 different sub-zones, representing the rich terroir diversity of the region.

Arriving at Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood

Onto Kitma Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood

It was a beautiful June day when we arrived at  Kir-Yianni. As we drove towards the winery we passed through the vineyard.

Entrance to Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood

Soon we arrived at the winery.

Welcome to Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood

Kir-Yianni Winery © Spaswinefood

It was good to return and discover that Kir-Yianni recently added a restaurant.

Welcome to Kir-Yianni

Xinomavro Lineup, Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood

Tasting Kir-Yianni Xinomavro © 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.

Local Bread, Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood

Fresh & Delicious Salad, Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood

One of the main dishes were selected was a pasta.

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

Kir-Yianni Vineyard Views © 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.

Kir-Yianni Vineyard, Naoussa 2015 © Spaswinefood

Kir-Yianni Winery: First Visit

After a restful night in Naoussa next day we travelled onto Kir-Yianni Winery in Giannakohori. 

Kir-Yianni Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Visitors soon discover that Kir-Yianni Winery is beautifully situated, surrounded by vineyards. During my 2015 visit I tasted an impressive lineup of wine.

Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood

While at Kir-Yianni we also joined by a group of sommeliers from Austria and Greece for the wine tasting. 

Ready to Taste Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood

Ready to Taste Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood

Let's Explore Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood

The tasting was followed by lunch on the patio overlooking the vineyards. 

Lunch, Kir-Yianni 2015 © Spaswinefood

Soon it was time to continue on our Northern Greece wine safari. I wish I could have stayed longer.

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.

Xinomavro On Fire, #DWCC15 © Spaswinefood

The overall lineup of Xinomavros at #dwcc15 was amazing to say the least. Special thanks should be given to Yiannis Karakasis and Gregory Michael's for hosting such a great session. Now the question, "Is Xinomavro on Fire?" The answer is "YES". And "YES, it is especially hot in Naoussa."

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. 

Kir-Yianni is a Naoussa Story that continues to unfold. Kir-Yianni is a very special place! YES, they produce other excellent wines besides Xinomavro. Certainly, Sigalas will be exciting part of this story too. Those who have yet discover today's Greek wines from Northern Greece now is the time. Indeed now is the time to explore Greek Wines! I am looking forward to future explorations along the Wine Roads of Northern Greece. I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Greece at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Twitter and Facebook. 

Yamas!

Sharon

June 2022

Naoussa, Greece

© Spaswinefood

Kir-Yianni Vineyard, Naoussa © Spaswinefood

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