Kir Yianni Naoussa 2022

Kir Yianni works in PDO Naoussa, in the mountains of Macedonia in northern Greece, a benchmark zone for Xinomavro. This indigenous variety is the heart of the wine, prized for its high acidity, firm tannins and savoury, herbal character, often compared to Nebbiolo. Naoussa's mosaic of altitudes, slopes and soils gives the grape range, while the continental climate with cool nights preserves freshness and aromatic detail. After a careful selection and fermentation on the skins to draw out Xinomavro's structure, the wine ages in oak barrels followed by time in bottle, where slow oxygen exchange and bottle development soften the grape's grippy tannins and build its savoury, dried-fruit complexity. The colour is intense garnet, lightening at the rim. The nose shows red cherry and red currant with dried herbs, olive and an earthy, tobacco edge. The palate is medium to full bodied, with bright acidity, firm tannins and a savoury, herbal finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees and decant ahead. It suits Mediterranean meat and tomato dishes.