Wednesday, March 11, 2026 red wine review is the latest vintage of a terrific, vegan-friendly Xinomavro from Greece that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.
Kir-Yianni is the producer of this lovely Greek red wine. The highly-regarded wine producer was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, a legendary winemaker and Greek wine maverick who also represented the 4th generation of the famed Boutaris winemaking family.
As a visionary and innovator, Mr. Boutaris' career path seemed predestined, leading to studies in Chemistry and Oenology. By1970, Yiannis left his family's wine business to chart his own path, eventually settling in the eastern foothills of Mt. Vermion, Yianakohori, near the town of Naoussa, where he planted 40 hectares of Xinomavro vines. This single vineyard planting of Xinomavro was the pioneering viticulture which both inspired and jolted the status quo in Greek winemaking, and also marked a new era in Greek winemaking which rejuvenated the region and empowered local growers.
This vineyard would go on to become Ktima Kir-Yianni - a name that was chosen because everyone used to call him "Kir", which meant "Sir" in Greek. Thus, the name Kir-Yianni was born. After planting more vines over the years, Yiannis would go on to purchase an old winery in 1996 in the village of Agios Panteleimon. This winery was completely rebuilt and inaugurated a year later to become the new Ktima Kir-Yianni.
In 1999, Stellios Boutaris, son of Yiannis, became Managing Director, and he was joined soon thereafter by his brother, Mihalis. There was intense experimentation and research on the Xinomavro varietal during this period, which led to replanting and acquisition of vineyards. In 2004, Stellios took over the family business as CEO and winemaker. Today, the philosophy at Kir-Yianni is a fine balance between a hundred-year-long family tradition and the use of new and innovative winemaking techniques, with the aim of producing appealing wines that reflect the potential of the Greek vineyard and its indigenous varieties. Furthermore, activities in the vineyard and at the winery are based on the principles of integrated farming and protecting the environment. At Kir-Yianni, sustainability is both a philosophy and a vital business decision that entails dedication, realism, and systematic investment, and in 2023 they started their journey to carbon neutrality.
Like the 2021 Kir-Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro I enjoyed around this time last year, this red wine is crafted with 100% Xinomavro. As the name suggests, the "Cuvée Villages" is a strict selection of grapes from younger vines grown on the Estate and parcels from small winegrowers across the PDO zone of Naoussa. The villages of Naoussa offer an interesting and diverse mix of hilly terrain with variations in altitude, slope, soil structure, and orientation. This wine by Kir-Yianni is a wine enthusiast's introduction to the great richness of the viticultural and winemaking traditions of the region, as well as the dynamics of Xinomavro in its heartland terroir.
To craft this Xinomavro, the grapes were harvested from the end of September, cooled to 10°C, then underwent a rigorous grape selection on a conveyor belt. After cold-soaking for 6 days at low temperatures, it underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 12 to 15 days at temperatures of 20–23°C. Malolactic fermentation and maturation took place in mainly 225 litre and 500 litre French oak barrels, in a combination of both new and 3rd-to-5th fill used barrels, for 12 months. The first blend was made on the 6th month of maturation. After bottling, the wine is further matured for 12 months in the cellar prior to release.
In 2022, the season began with a cold winter and snowy mountain tops, along with rain which contributed to the increase of bud fertility, as well as the enrichment of the aqueous horizon with water. Spring started colder and was drier than usual, which resulted in a later, but even budbreak. Summer featured mild temperatures, apart from a heatwave in the first half of August. September began with 100 mm of heavy rain and continued with almost 40 days of high daytime temperatures and cool nights. From a very good to excellent vintage, let's see how this 2022 Xinomavro from Naoussa is tasting tonight...
This 100% Xinomavro has a lovely, medium-high to highly aromatic nose that is open with ripe red berry, cherry, tomato, and Damson plum nuanced with hints of rose floral, tar, dried cherry, earth, and sweet spice adding elegance and complexity. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has ripe, Damson plum, red berry, tomato, savoury earth, and sweet spice flavours in a gently spicy profile. Acids are crisp and juicy, while the well-structured tannins are refined and finely textured with a gentle grip. Cherry and tomato notes taper to earthy and oak notes with touches of mineral on the long, savoury, and crisp finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts
Quite a few wines by Kir-Yianni are available online and in a couple of stores in the GTA, and can also be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.
Kir-Yianni is the producer of this lovely Greek red wine. The highly-regarded wine producer was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, a legendary winemaker and Greek wine maverick who also represented the 4th generation of the famed Boutaris winemaking family.
As a visionary and innovator, Mr. Boutaris' career path seemed predestined, leading to studies in Chemistry and Oenology. By1970, Yiannis left his family's wine business to chart his own path, eventually settling in the eastern foothills of Mt. Vermion, Yianakohori, near the town of Naoussa, where he planted 40 hectares of Xinomavro vines. This single vineyard planting of Xinomavro was the pioneering viticulture which both inspired and jolted the status quo in Greek winemaking, and also marked a new era in Greek winemaking which rejuvenated the region and empowered local growers.
This vineyard would go on to become Ktima Kir-Yianni - a name that was chosen because everyone used to call him "Kir", which meant "Sir" in Greek. Thus, the name Kir-Yianni was born. After planting more vines over the years, Yiannis would go on to purchase an old winery in 1996 in the village of Agios Panteleimon. This winery was completely rebuilt and inaugurated a year later to become the new Ktima Kir-Yianni.
In 1999, Stellios Boutaris, son of Yiannis, became Managing Director, and he was joined soon thereafter by his brother, Mihalis. There was intense experimentation and research on the Xinomavro varietal during this period, which led to replanting and acquisition of vineyards. In 2004, Stellios took over the family business as CEO and winemaker. Today, the philosophy at Kir-Yianni is a fine balance between a hundred-year-long family tradition and the use of new and innovative winemaking techniques, with the aim of producing appealing wines that reflect the potential of the Greek vineyard and its indigenous varieties. Furthermore, activities in the vineyard and at the winery are based on the principles of integrated farming and protecting the environment. At Kir-Yianni, sustainability is both a philosophy and a vital business decision that entails dedication, realism, and systematic investment, and in 2023 they started their journey to carbon neutrality.
Like the 2021 Kir-Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro I enjoyed around this time last year, this red wine is crafted with 100% Xinomavro. As the name suggests, the "Cuvée Villages" is a strict selection of grapes from younger vines grown on the Estate and parcels from small winegrowers across the PDO zone of Naoussa. The villages of Naoussa offer an interesting and diverse mix of hilly terrain with variations in altitude, slope, soil structure, and orientation. This wine by Kir-Yianni is a wine enthusiast's introduction to the great richness of the viticultural and winemaking traditions of the region, as well as the dynamics of Xinomavro in its heartland terroir.
To craft this Xinomavro, the grapes were harvested from the end of September, cooled to 10°C, then underwent a rigorous grape selection on a conveyor belt. After cold-soaking for 6 days at low temperatures, it underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 12 to 15 days at temperatures of 20–23°C. Malolactic fermentation and maturation took place in mainly 225 litre and 500 litre French oak barrels, in a combination of both new and 3rd-to-5th fill used barrels, for 12 months. The first blend was made on the 6th month of maturation. After bottling, the wine is further matured for 12 months in the cellar prior to release.
In 2022, the season began with a cold winter and snowy mountain tops, along with rain which contributed to the increase of bud fertility, as well as the enrichment of the aqueous horizon with water. Spring started colder and was drier than usual, which resulted in a later, but even budbreak. Summer featured mild temperatures, apart from a heatwave in the first half of August. September began with 100 mm of heavy rain and continued with almost 40 days of high daytime temperatures and cool nights. From a very good to excellent vintage, let's see how this 2022 Xinomavro from Naoussa is tasting tonight...
Tasting Note:
KIR-YIANNI CUVÉE VILLAGES XINOMAVRO 2022 - Vegan, PDO Naoussa, Greece (#14151) (XD) - $21.95This 100% Xinomavro has a lovely, medium-high to highly aromatic nose that is open with ripe red berry, cherry, tomato, and Damson plum nuanced with hints of rose floral, tar, dried cherry, earth, and sweet spice adding elegance and complexity. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has ripe, Damson plum, red berry, tomato, savoury earth, and sweet spice flavours in a gently spicy profile. Acids are crisp and juicy, while the well-structured tannins are refined and finely textured with a gentle grip. Cherry and tomato notes taper to earthy and oak notes with touches of mineral on the long, savoury, and crisp finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts
Quite a few wines by Kir-Yianni are available online and in a couple of stores in the GTA, and can also be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.
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