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.
About this wine and the 2022 vintage from the winery: “This wine is a unique viticulture passion project aimed at tracking down, preserving and reviving old Xinomavro vines in the PDO region of Amyndeon. A dedicated effort by our team of viticulturists for over 20 years now, standing by small growers, supporting them with knowhow all-year-round, giving them incentive to pass on this precious legacy to next generations. Each vintage is produced from a “pool” of selected parcels that meet the criteria of age of the plants (40 – 60 years), mindful vine growing and quality, while the quest for future vintages and new vine parcel discoveries never ceases.
“On a rather typical winter and spring, March was the exception; Cooler than the average, it let to a later bud break. The very high temperatures in June were interrupted by hail that due to the late flowering did not cause serious damage. The rest of the summer started with a rotation between xerothermic conditions and rain with mildly cool weather, ending with a 30-day of heat -milder than in 2021- and a wave of precipitation. From 5 September, the renowned northern wind of Amyndeon reinstated the conditions to the average standards of the season for the area. As a late-ripening variety, Xinomavro benefitted from the decreased humidity during daylight and the diurnal temperature range, ripening in conditions that favored the concentration of sugars and anthocyanins.
“Rigorous grape sorting on conveyor belt. The berries are cooled at 8-10°C. Destemming, crushing and skin-contact for 6 days at a temperature of 10°C. 2-week fermentation, 7-day post-fermentation maceration. Blending of the different blocks follows. Maturation in French oak barrels of 3rd and 4th use for 12 months with mild lees stirring (bâtonnage) occasionally. 18-month cellaring before market release.
“Garnet color of medium intensity, typical of Xinomavro and of the age of the vines. The nose is complex with dominant aromas of red forest fruit -raspberries and cranberries- and flowers. Tomato leaves and barrel notes compliment the aromatic bouquet that unfolds on the palate as well. The identity of the Amyndeon terroir is imprinted in the vigor offered by the acidity, in the concentration of the fruit, and in the extraordinary balance. The tannins -evident yet with a remarkable finesse- stand out for their quality and structure, a remarkable contribution of both the age of the bines and the rigorous selection of the very best fruit from the very best of plots. An elegant wine, with long, persistent finish, and notable ageing potential.”
Bronze Medals at 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards and Thessaloniki International Wine & Spirits Competition
RRP $61 *Our Special Price $48.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
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