2022 Kir-Yianni - Xinomavro Naoussa Cuvee Villages (750ml)

Kir-Yianni was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, a pivotal figure in modern Greek wine who left his family's historic Boutari winery to start his own estate in Macedonia. The winery has since become one of the country's most respected producers, championing native varieties like Xinomavro while helping bring Greek wine to a wider international audience. Today Kir-Yianni farms vineyards across several regions of northern Greece, with Naoussa at the heart of its Xinomavro program.

Cuvée Villages draws on a careful selection of Xinomavro grapes from both the estate's own younger vines and small growers scattered across the different villages of the Naoussa appellation, a region whose varied altitudes, slopes, and soils create a real mosaic of microclimates. The grapes ferment in stainless steel before the wine finishes its aging in used oak barrels of different sizes, completing full malolactic fermentation along the way. The approach is meant to introduce newcomers to Xinomavro while still expressing the grape's true character.

This wine shows a garnet red color, with vibrant aromas of cherry, strawberry, and plum layered with dried herbs and tobacco. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, fresh, and structured by fine, well-integrated tannins. It pairs nicely with charcuterie, red sauces, or grilled meats.