Kir Yianni Assyrtiko – Amyndeon 2025

Kir Yianni makes this Assyrtiko on the Amyndeon plateau in northern Greece, sitting at around 600 metres in the country's coolest wine region, amid lakes and mountains within a NATURA 2000 protected area. Altitude and the surrounding water keep nights cold and the growing season long, which suits Assyrtiko, a grape that holds firm acidity even as its fruit ripens fully. The result is a wine with both concentration and cut. It is aged for five months on its lees, and that contact adds a fine texture and a rounder mid-palate through the mannoproteins released from the spent yeast, while stainless-steel handling keeps the aromatics fresh. Farming here is sustainable, in keeping with the protected landscape. The colour is pale straw with green highlights. The nose is fresh and lively, with peach and apricot intertwined with bright citrus and a stony, saline note. The palate is dry and taut, the fruit driven by high acidity and a distinct saltiness through a long, mineral finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees in a white glass. It suits grilled fish, shellfish and lemon-dressed vegetables.