An intriguing and herbaceous nose married with bright fruit and mineral flavors gives this wine balance and versatility.\n \n Producer Information\n Ktima Kir-Yianni is a wine estate in the Greece. It is based in Yianakohori, near the town of Naoussa in the Macedonia region of Greece, with further vineyards in Amyndaio (Amyndeo). Xinomavro is the principal grape variety here, though a number of other Greek and international varieties are grown. The extensive range includes numerous red, white and rosé still wines. Sparkling white and rosé wines are also produced. The estate also makes a red and white Vermouth. Kir-Yianni's entire range have been audited and certified as vegan and vegetarian by the certification body Letrina. This means no animal-derived ingredients or processing aids are used at any stage of production. The vineyards of the main estate cover a total of 58 hectares (145 acres). They lie at an altitude of 280 to 330 meters, the highest in the Naoussa PDO zone on the eastern foothills of Mt. Vermion. Half of the plantings here are Xinomavro , with 20 percent Merlot, 15 percent Syrah, and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. The remainder is planted with more experimental varieties. Mount Vermion protects the vines from cool winds coming from the north in winter. In summer it sends down beneficial cool breezes. Soils are diverse, ranging from sandy to clay loam. Gradients and solar exposure also vary. The estate has been divided into 40 seprate blocks, each cultivated separately. In addition there are 20ha (50 acres) of white varieties. The white grape vineyards lie in the Amyndaio (Amyndeo) region to the west of Mt Vermion. They sit on the shores of Lake Vegoritis and are overlooked by the Kaimakcalan and Vitsi mountains. Greek white varieties include Assyrtiko, Roditis and Malagousia. International counterparts include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. The estate was founded in 1997 by one of the leading figures in the Greek wine industry, Yiannis Boutaris, after leaving his family's Boutari Wine Group. It is now led by Stellios Boutaris, the fifth generation of winemaking Boutaris. The new estate consisted of various vineyards previously accumulated by Yiannis Boutaris. 40 hectares (100 acres) of Xinomavro planted in 1970 formed the main estate. The white wine vineyard in the Amyndaio (Amyndeo) region was planted in 1985. An old winery was bought in 1996. Between 2004 and 2006 28ha (70 acres) were replanted. Some new Greek and international varieties were introduced, as well as some different clones of Xinomavro best suited to the various vineyard sites. A further 10ha was purchased in 2009. This made Kir-Yianni one of Greece's largest vineyards.
