Just imagine visiting the Naoussa wine region on a bright sunny day, with just a few clouds in the sky. Our first stop, that beautiful October day, was Kir-Yianni Winery, which was founded in 1977 by Giannis Boutaris. Today the winery is under the direction of Yiannis's son, Stellios Boutaris. The terroir found throughout the property, has been described as a replica of the variation of terroir Naoussa wine region. In fact, the winery credits their rich diversity of wine styles to this wide variation in terroir. Without doubt, if you want to experience the noble indigenous red grape, Xinomavro, at its best, then Kir-Yianni is the place.
The Naoussa Wine Region
In 1971 the first Greek wine region to be made an official appellation was PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Naoussa. According to appellation law all Naoussa wines be made from 100% Xinomavro (Ksee NOH mah vroh) grapes. In recent years there has been extensive experimentation with how Xinomavro wines are made. The result is a rich diversity of styles. Ktima Kir-Yianni Estate is where you can experience this amazing diversity. Moreover, some producers in the wine region have been experimenting with making wines from international grape varieties, such as Merlot and Syrah. These wines are marketed under PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Macedonia. Of course there are Xinomavro blends, which must also be marketed under PGI designations. For example, while at the Ktima Kir-Yianni Estate one of the blends I tasted, was a Xinomavro blend (Xinomavro 93% and Syrah 7%), marketed under PGI Imathia.
Red Wines
1. Kali Riza Xinomavro, Old Vines (60-80 years) PDO Amyndeon 2013
2. Ramnista Xinomavro, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011
3. Ramnista Xinomavro, Siniatsi Block 9, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011 (unreleased)
4. Ramnista Xinomavro, Cyclamen Block 15, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011 (unreleased)
5. Ramnista Xinomavro, Limni Block 5, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011 (unreleased)
6. Ramnista Xinomavro, Limni Block 5 Wild Ferment, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011 (unreleased)
7. Diaporos Xinomavro 93% & Syrah 7%, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PGI Imathia 2011
8. Ramnista Xinomavro, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2005
During the Kir-Yianni wine tasting we were joined by a group of sommeliers from Austria and Greece. Yes, Kir-Yianni makes great wines. It was indeed an awesome tasting. It was so special to have had the opportunity to taste eights Xinomavro wines in one tasting; in particular five of these were different Ramnista Xinomavro wines from 2011 and one from 2005. Kir-Yianni is indeed a place where the noble indigenous red grape, Xinomavro is king.
Our wine tasting was followed by lunch on the patio overlooking the vineyards.
What an exciting introduction to Kir-Yianni wines it was!
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 taste a somewhat familiar Xinomavro. It was a Kir Yianni, Ramnista Xinomavro, PDO Naoussa 2008. The 2008 was a nice contrast to the five Ramnista Xinomavro, PDO Naoussa wines from 2011 and the Ramnista Xinomavro, PDO Naoussa 2005 that I had tasted earlier. Yes, Xinomavro is on Fire.
Note: This expense paid Press Trip was sponsored by #dwcc15 and #NorthGRTrip
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| Ktima Kir-Yianni Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
In 1971 the first Greek wine region to be made an official appellation was PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Naoussa. According to appellation law all Naoussa wines be made from 100% Xinomavro (Ksee NOH mah vroh) grapes. In recent years there has been extensive experimentation with how Xinomavro wines are made. The result is a rich diversity of styles. Ktima Kir-Yianni Estate is where you can experience this amazing diversity. Moreover, some producers in the wine region have been experimenting with making wines from international grape varieties, such as Merlot and Syrah. These wines are marketed under PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Macedonia. Of course there are Xinomavro blends, which must also be marketed under PGI designations. For example, while at the Ktima Kir-Yianni Estate one of the blends I tasted, was a Xinomavro blend (Xinomavro 93% and Syrah 7%), marketed under PGI Imathia.
Kir-Yianni, Naoussa
Kir-Yianni has two wineries in the mountainous regions of Naoussa and Amyndeon in Northwestern Greece. However, on this trip I only visited the Naoussa winery.
The evening before visiting Kir-Yianni we spent a restful night at the Deluxe Boutique Palea Poli Hotel, Naoussa. That morning before leaving the hotel I enjoyed a delightful breakfast.
I so loved our brief stay at the Deluxe Boutique Palea Poli Hotel. I must return there to spend more time.
After breakfast we travelled onto Giannakohori, Naoussa to visit Kir-Yianni Winery.
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Deluxe Boutique Palea Poli Hotel, Naoussa © Spaswinefood
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| Morning Pastries, Deluxe Boutique Palea Poli Hotel © Spaswinefood |
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| Breakfast, Deluxe Boutique Palea Poli Hotel © Spaswinefood |
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| Crepes, Deluxe Boutique Palea Poli Hotel © Spaswinefood |
I so loved our brief stay at the Deluxe Boutique Palea Poli Hotel. I must return there to spend more time.
After breakfast we travelled onto Giannakohori, Naoussa to visit Kir-Yianni Winery.
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| Vineyard, Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood |
When we arrived at Kir-Yianni Winery the first thing that caught my attention, was the expansive vineyards surrounding the property. The setting surrounding this winery is quite stunning. Given such a variation of terroir throughout the estate it would be interesting to tour the vineyards.
Tasting Kir-Yianni Wines
Shortly after arrival the wine tasting began. It was indeed one of the most comprehensive wine tastings that I did in Northern Greece. I was delighted to be part of this experience.
The wine tasting lineup included:
White Wines
1. Paranga Sparkling Demi Sec (Roditis, Malvasia, Xinomavro) NV
2. Paranga White PETRA (Roditis, Malagouzia), PGI Macedonia 2014
3. Ktima Kir-Yianni (Roditis, Sauvignon Blanc), Samaropetra Vineyard PGI Florina 2014
4. Tesseris Limnes (Chardonnay, Gewürztramminer), PGI Florina 2014
5. Droumo Sauvignon Blanc, Estate -Single Vineyard, PGI Florina 2014
Rosé
1. Akakies Rosé (Xinomavro), PDO Amyndeon 2014
2. Akakies Sparkling Rosé Charmat (Xinomavro), PDO Amyndeon 2014
Red Blends
1. Paranga (Merlot, Xinomavro, Syrah) PGI Macedonia 2013
2. Ktima Kir-Yianni (Xinomavro, Merlot, Syrah) PGI Imathia 2012
3. DYO Elies (Syrah, Merlot, Xinomavro) PGI Imathia 2011
The next group of eight Xinomavro wines was the most extensive tasting to Xinomavro that I have tasted in Greece to date.
Tasting Kir-Yianni Wines
Shortly after arrival the wine tasting began. It was indeed one of the most comprehensive wine tastings that I did in Northern Greece. I was delighted to be part of this experience.
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| Kir-Yianni Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood |
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| Ready to Taste Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood |
White Wines
1. Paranga Sparkling Demi Sec (Roditis, Malvasia, Xinomavro) NV
2. Paranga White PETRA (Roditis, Malagouzia), PGI Macedonia 2014
3. Ktima Kir-Yianni (Roditis, Sauvignon Blanc), Samaropetra Vineyard PGI Florina 2014
4. Tesseris Limnes (Chardonnay, Gewürztramminer), PGI Florina 2014
5. Droumo Sauvignon Blanc, Estate -Single Vineyard, PGI Florina 2014
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| Kir-Yianzi, Akakies Sparkling Rosé 2014 © Spaswinefood |
1. Akakies Rosé (Xinomavro), PDO Amyndeon 2014
2. Akakies Sparkling Rosé Charmat (Xinomavro), PDO Amyndeon 2014
Red Blends
1. Paranga (Merlot, Xinomavro, Syrah) PGI Macedonia 2013
2. Ktima Kir-Yianni (Xinomavro, Merlot, Syrah) PGI Imathia 2012
3. DYO Elies (Syrah, Merlot, Xinomavro) PGI Imathia 2011
The next group of eight Xinomavro wines was the most extensive tasting to Xinomavro that I have tasted in Greece to date.
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| Kir-Yianni Wines © Spaswinefood |
1. Kali Riza Xinomavro, Old Vines (60-80 years) PDO Amyndeon 2013
2. Ramnista Xinomavro, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011
3. Ramnista Xinomavro, Siniatsi Block 9, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011 (unreleased)
4. Ramnista Xinomavro, Cyclamen Block 15, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011 (unreleased)
5. Ramnista Xinomavro, Limni Block 5, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011 (unreleased)
6. Ramnista Xinomavro, Limni Block 5 Wild Ferment, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2011 (unreleased)
7. Diaporos Xinomavro 93% & Syrah 7%, Single Vineyard, Estate Grown, PGI Imathia 2011
8. Ramnista Xinomavro, Estate Grown, PDO Naoussa 2005
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| Kir-Yianni Terroir © Spaswinefood |
Our wine tasting was followed by lunch on the patio overlooking the vineyards.
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| Lunch, Kir-Yianni © Spaswinefood |
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 taste a somewhat familiar Xinomavro. It was a Kir Yianni, Ramnista Xinomavro, PDO Naoussa 2008. The 2008 was a nice contrast to the five Ramnista Xinomavro, PDO Naoussa wines from 2011 and the Ramnista Xinomavro, PDO Naoussa 2005 that I had tasted earlier. Yes, Xinomavro is on Fire.
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| Xinomavro On Fire, #DWCC15 © Spaswinefood |
The overall lineup of Xinomavro wines at #dwcc15 was amazing to say the least. Special thanks should be given to Yiannis Karakasis and Gregory Michailos for a great session. I must admit wine tasting at Kir-Yianni earlier was great preparation for me to gain in-depth insights into the wide range of Xinomavro PDO Naoussa wines produced by Kir-Yianni.
Spaswinefood is so looking forward to future Naoussa explorations along the Wine Roads of Northern Greece. I invite you to join me in my travels in Greece and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Spaswinefood is so looking forward to future Naoussa explorations along the Wine Roads of Northern Greece. I invite you to join me in my travels in Greece and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
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| Ktima Kir-Yianni Estate © Spaswinefood |
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