Kir-Yianni Xinomavro Rosé 2024 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's rosé wine review is an excellent, vegan-certified, dry rosé from Macedonia in northern Greece that made its debut at the LCBO earlier this month in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on June 7th.

It is produced by Kir-Yianni, the renowned Greek winery based in Amyndeon in northern Greece. Kir-Yianni was established in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris (1942-2024) of the renowned Boutaris wine family. Yiannis was one of the leading figures in the Greek wine industry right up until his passing last year.

Today, Kir-Yianni is led by Stellios Boutaris, son of Yiannis. Stellios is the fifth generation of the Boutaris family of winemakers and became Managing Director of Kir-Yianni in 1999. Mihalis Boutaris, brother of Stellios, joined Kir-Yianni a few years later upon completing his studies at UC Davis. The brothers undertook a project to take Kir-Yianni to the next level by re-planting their 28 hectares of vineyards, focusing on both Greek and international varieties, but most importantly, ensuring that each varietal was planted on the most appropriate vineyard parcel.

The philosophy at Kir-Yianni is based on ensuring a fine balance between the family's hundred-year-long tradition and the use of new and innovative winemaking techniques. To ensure typicity, ageing potential, and consistent wine quality from vintage to vintage, Kir-Yianni takes proper care in the vineyard with strict selection on the vine, while in the cellar they micro-vinify and blend meticulously. The goal is to produce appealing wines that reflect the potential of the Greek vineyard and its indigenous varieties, while also protecting the environment by using integrated farming principles.

At Kir-Yianni, sustainability is both a philosophy and a vital business decision, entailing dedication, realism, and systematic investment. They have a holistic commitment to responsible winemaking from vine to glass. Among their many initiatives, they protect biodiversity, flora, and fauna, invest in the eco-friendly operation of the winery, support local communities, and ensure their employees' feeling of safety, growth, and economic security. In 2022, Kir-Yianni started their journey to carbon neutrality, and within 18 months they had achieved their first two major goals. Kir-Yianni has also started their efforts towards joining the United Nations "Race to Zero" campaign.

This dry rosé from Greece is crafted with 100% Xinomavro that was grown in the viticultural zone of Macedonia in northern Greece, from 40–60 year-old vines. The grapes were carefully selected from chosen vineyards based on the soil, vine health, and capacity of the grapes to reach full maturity. The climate in the winegrowing region of Macedonia has excellent conditions for viticulture due to, among other things, the significant diurnal temperature ranges (the temperature difference between day and night), as well as diversity in morphology.

To craft this rosé, Kir-Yianni undertook a rigorous grape selection on the conveyor belt. After direct pressing the grapes, they were fermented in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 17–19°C. After fermentation, the wine stayed in contact with its fine lees for 3 months, with occasional mild stirring (bâtonnage).

The growing season in Macedonia was one of the warmest years in recent memory. There was a slightly earlier bud break, along with drought conditions starting in April. There were a couple of incidents of hail in May, which, fortunately, did not cause serious harm. A windstorm was followed by three heatwaves from June to August. Cooler nights arrived in September, while harvest for Xinomavro started to take place at the beginning of the month - the earliest ever recorded for this variety. Overall, the vintage produced healthy grapes with good aromas and colour. Moreover, the conditions of the season favoured Xinomavro, which achieved great phenolic ripeness. From a very good vintage for Xinomavro, let's see how this 2024 rosé from northern Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KIR-YIANNI XINOMAVRO ROSÉ 2024 - Vegan, PGI Macedonia, Greece (#39595) (XD) - $19.95
Stelvin screw cap. Pours a pale copper colour. Fresh and fragrant, this has a lovely, attractive nose of medium-high intensity with aromas of red berry, strawberry, cherry, orange citrus, grapefruit, and floral, with touches of spice and mineral undertones. It has good weight on the medium+ to medium-full bodied, dry, and slightly spicy palate with delicious ripe grapefruit, citrusy, red berry, strawberry, and red cherry flavours flecked with minerality. It has fresh, crisp, and vibrant acidity, while the spicy citrus tones give way to leesy minerals on the long, savoury, and juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Quite a few wines by Kir-Yianni are available at the LCBO, and can also be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.