The Kir-Yianni Estate was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, one of the leading figures in the Greek wine industry, when he left the Boutari Wine Group, the premium family wine company that his grandfather established in 1879. The Kir-Yianni Estate continues a long family tradition focusing on the production of high quality wines which combine style with authenticity and offer true enjoyment, from grapes produced at the Estate´s extensive vineyard holdings in the two wine regions of Naoussa and Amyndeon, on the two sides of mount Vermio in North-Western Greece.
Today the Kir-Yianni Estate, lead by Stelios Boutaris, son of Yiannis, follows its vision into the next phase of its history, by dynamically exploiting the cornerstones of the Kir-Yianni philosophy: desire for innovation, respect for tradition and true knowledge of the wine, from the grape to the end consumer.
History
The Estate in Naoussa, one of Greece´s leading AOC regions, is located in Yianakohori, at the highest point of the viticultural region. The 50 hectare Estate was bought by the Boutari family in the late 1960s. By the creation of the Yianakohori vineyard, Yiannis Boutaris, spearheaded the revival of the prized Naoussa Appellation and paved the way for the production of "terroir" wines, which revolutionised the scene in Greek winemaking in recent years. In the early 1970s, the Estate was planted solely with Xinomavro, the indigenous variety of North-Western Macedonia, in double vertical shoot positioning vineyards, a technique used for the very first time then in Naoussa. During the period 1985-1990 Merlot and Syrah were planted, in selected vineyard parcels, adjusting perfectly to the microclimate, and giving great results alone or mixed with Xinomavro. In the years 2004 - 2006, 15 hectares of vineyards were re-planted with Xinomavro and other Greek and international varieties, focusing on the the right vineyard sites and appropriate Xinomavro clones, under the supervision of Dr. Haroula Spinthiropoulou, a pioneering Greek agronomist and viticulture specialist.
The Amyndeon Vineyards are located at the winemaking village of Aghios Panteleimon at the shore of lake Vegoritis, defined by the Kaimaktsalan and Vitsi mountains. Thanks to the endless energy and efforts of the Yiannis Boutaris, Amyndeon, once a neglected wine region, is today recognised as one of the most promising AOC zones of Greece. The region is characterised by a unique microclimate, due to the high altitude and the four neighbouring lakes.
The Vineyards and the Wineries
The Naoussa vineyard covers 50 he and lies at an altitude of 280-330 m. Its is divided in 33 parcels, each with its own terroir, and are vinified seperately giving a unique character to the final blend. The soil is mostly clay and sandy clay. The micro-climate of the area is defined by lots of rain and snow in the winter, mild and wet springs and hot dry summers, that are usually cooled down by the cold breezes from Mt Vermion. During particularly hot summers drip irrigation can be applied in order to avoid extensive plant stretching. The density of plantation is 3500 - 4000 vines per he, with a yield of 2 - 2,5 kg per vine. The vineyard is planted with the varieties Xinomavro (50%), Syrah (15%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and other experimental varieties.
The winery is equipped with a total of 3500 hl temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. In the underground cellar there are 500 american and french 225 and 500 lt barriques, while bottles are stored in a ground-level, air-conditioned warehouse, also used for packaging. The "Koula" or "Konaki", the traditional watchtower at the heart of the Estate, has become the winery´s emblem and houses today a modern wine-tasting room, exhibition facilities, as well as, the residence of the Boutari family.
The vineyards at Amyndeon are located at an altitude of 700m and cover a total area of 165 he. The soil here is sandy and poor, thus favouring the production of wines of exquisite finesse and rich aroma. The micro-climate of the area is known for its cold winters and hot summers, while the presence of the four lakes tempers the continental climate preventing extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, Kir-Yianni has contracts with local producers for another 300 he guaranteeing the provision of first class fruit. International white varieties - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer - as well as indigenous varieties - Roditis, Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, and Malvasia Aromatica- are grown here.
In Amyndeon, the crash facility is equipped with temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with a total capacity of 8500 hl. The facilities also feature a sorting table, cold soak facilities, pneumatic presses and a 30 ton VINIMATIC.
The application of the Integrated Cultivation methods, in all Kir-Yianni vineyard activities is a management decision based on the family's philosophy of respect for the environment. Furthermore, integrated cultivation ensures high quality for all the products of the Estate. The application of integrated cultivation is certified by the Organization for the Certification and Supervision of Agricultural Products AGROCERT, since 2004.
Production - products
Selection is the key word: Each part of the vineyards in the Kir-Yianni estate is harvested separately, two or three times, based on the phenolic ripening of the grapes. The grapes are then brought to the sorting table, to pick the best. A similar picking phase is also performed during wine-making and aging, in order to ensure that only the best is bottled. Kir-Yianni is in constant experimentation regarding the quality and type of wood (origin, capacity, burning, size of pores) used in the barrels. The main aim is always the creation of wines of a special character: Rich but refined aroma, acidity to provide body and ageing potential, perfect balance in the mouth and ease of combination with various dishes constitute the distinct style of Kir-Yianni wines, which makes them truly appealing for the modern consumer.
In the Kir-Yianni Estate in Naoussa the flagship Kir-Yianni Estate (Yianakohori) is produced, as well as, the 100% Xinomavro Ramnista, and the superblend Dyo Elies. This year, a single vineyard modern style Xinomavro, Diaporos , was also launched.
In the Kir-Yianni Estate in Amyndeon the focus is on whites: Tesseris Limnes, a unique blend of Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer, the classic Samaropetra, the 100 % Roditis Petra and the succesful rosé Akakies. Also, Paranga, the house red blend is produced by grapes sourced mostly in Amyndeon.
Exports
The Kir-Yianni company exports its products in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, etc. These exports today account for 15% of the total sales of the company, and the aim is to bring this value to 50%, until 2015.
Strategy
"Good wines are made in the winery and great wines are made in the vineyard" says Stellios Boutaris; He believes that during the next five years, Kir-Yianni will reach its true potential, through the use of the grapes from its new vineyards, and the know-how acquired during many years of research on the vine and the wine (Naoussa is the only Greek wine area where an extensive clonal selection programme has been performed) . "Our vision is to upkeep the potential of the Greek vineyard in general, and the Macedonian vineyard in particular, and to establish ourselves in the international map of wine-making. Our principle in Kir-Yianni is that innovation builds tradition! Emphasis on indigenous grape varieties, modern wine-making methods, a professional approach and consumer-friendly wines, are the foundations to build and reach our goals" says Stellios Boutaris. KIR YIANNI WINES
Kir-Yianni Estate ( Yianakohori ): Red Dry Wine, Vin-de-Pays Imathia
Diaporos : Red Dry Wine, Vin-de-Pays Imathia
Ramnista: Red Dry Wine, AOC Naoussa
Dyo Elies: Red Dry Wine, Vin-de-Pays Imathia
Tesseris Limnes: Dry White Wine, Vin-de-Pays Florina
Samaropetra: Dry White Wine, Vin-de-Pays Florina
Petra: Dry White Wine, Vin-de-Pays Florina
Akakies: Rosé Dry Wine, AOC Amyndeon
Paranga: Red Dry Wine, Vin-de-Pays Macedonia
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