Description
Kir Yianni (greek for Mr John!) is the cutting edge winemaker in the modern Greek wine scene. In the 90’s Yianni Boutari sold his share in Boutari the oldest and most established wine name in Greece. Over the decades Yianni acquired his own prime vineyards. In 1994 they released their first wines and with his son Stellios they have championed “Xinomavro” the red grape of Greece grown in Naoussa (Alpine county of Macedonian Greek mountains) and Amyndeon. They have done extensive research and development, clonal selection with xinomavro and they have gone from strength to strength. This grape is regarded as the “Pinot” or the “Nebbiolo” of Greece for its fragrance, freshness and tannin profile. Light in colour and body it has intense and complex aromas, naturally high acidity and rich tannins – an ageworthy, savoury and structured wine.
Kali Riza is produced from 100% 60 year old Xinomavro vines grown in the mountainous area of Amyndeon, (North West Alpine county of Macedonian Greek mountains), the coldest winemaking region of Greece. The first testimonies of winemaking in the area date back to the 3rd Century BC! The extremes of the continental climate are evened out by the nearby four lakes. The poor, sandy soils produce crisp and highly aromatic wines and one of the most elegant expressions of Xinomavro. The grapes are carefully selected on harvest depending on their age and content in sugars, phenols and acids. Upon delivery at the winery, they are chilled at a temperature of 8-10 degrees. After destemming, the grapes are crushed and left to cold soak for 6 days at 10 οC, a process aimed at the extraction of more colour and aromas. The wine is transferred to the French oak barrels post fermentation to mature for 14 months.
About the 2021 vintage from the winery: “Rather mild winter, notably wet and low in snow. Cool March and April. The frost in the beginning of April had no significant impact on the buds. The wet June was not ideal for fruit setting, resulting in bunches with less berries. From mid-July, the weather was very dry and hot. Due to the August heatwave atypically to the area high temperatures were recorded even during the night. These xerothermic conditions accelerated the phenolic growth of the vines, nevertheless the heatwave delayed ripeness by 5 days compared to the average standards. The low night temperatures after midAugust speed up veraison and ripeness. As a late-ripening variety, Xinomavro was favored by the overall conditions. The mild September that followed was an extra help to its full ripeness.
“Garnet red color, typical to Xinomavro and the age of the vines. Complex nose with aromas of cherries and strawberries, as well as tomato leaves, violet and oaky notes. The mouth is fruity and crisp, with velvety tannins. Long finish.”
Previous release
Bronze Medals at Decanter World Wine Awards 2017, Тhe Balkans International Wine Competition 2017 and Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit show.
RRP $49 *Our Special Price $37.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.