Kir-Yianni

Kir-Yianni is a Macedonian producer founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, a visionary winemaker who championed indigenous Greek varieties when few others believed in them. Today, led by his son Stellios Boutaris, Kir-Yianni has become synonymous with Xinomavro—a complex red with high acidity and tannins that ages for decades—and with sustainable, precision-focused winemaking. The estate operates two separate wineries on the slopes of Mount Vermio: one in cool, elevated Amyndeon and one in the historic Naoussa region. What sets Kir-Yianni apart is their commitment to measuring impact: in 2024, they became the first Greek winery to calculate their carbon footprint and joined the International Wineries for Climate Action as a Silver Member. This is a producer that thinks in decades, not seasons.

About Kir-Yianni

That gamble defined the estate's identity. The vineyard sits between 150 and 280 metres above sea level on south-eastern slopes of Mount Vermio, where cool conditions and shelter from northern winds allow for slow ripening and complexity. Each parcel is vinified separately to capture maximum precision and terroir expression.

These conditions favour fresh, mineral Assyrtiko and elegant, structured Xinomavro. Winemaking philosophy centres on sustainability: Kir-Yianni uses integrated pest management, no-tillage farming, native cover crops between rows, and drip irrigation only when necessary. Pomace is composted, waste is minimised.

Kir-Yianni Wines in Our Collection

The 2020 Ramnista Naoussa Xinomavro (90 points) is a single-vineyard expression that showcases the complexity Naoussa is famous for—savory, structured, with the acidity and tannin potential to age. Jancis Robinson scored it 90; Decanter World Wine Awards gave it 91. For those seeking freshness, the 2023 Tarsanas Amyndeon Assyrtiko (90 points, Jancis Robinson) delivers green, flinty minerality from cool-climate fruit on sandy soils. And the NV Xinomavro Sparkling Brut (91 points, Jancis Robinson) proves the variety's versatility—fresh, youthful, and elegant in sparkling form. These are not introductory wines; they demand a palate ready for structure and age-worthiness.

Food Pairing

Naoussa Xinomavro's high acidity and tannins cut through rich, slow-cooked meat: lamb stew, beef stewed in red wine, venison, aged cheese. Serve at cellar temperature. Assyrtiko pairs with seafood, white fish with sauce, savoury preparations, mussels. The Xinomavro Rosé suits charcuterie, tomato-based dishes, lighter grilled fare. The sparkling version opens aperitifs or accompanies oysters and shellfish. Xinomavro ages well, rewarding patience; younger vintages benefit from decanting.

What grape is Kir-Yianni known for?

Xinomavro, a complex red native to northern Greece with high acidity and tannins, potential to age for decades. Kir-Yianni championed the variety long before it gained international recognition.

Why does Kir-Yianni farm in two regions?

Naoussa (150–280m) produces structured, complex Xinomavro; cool Amyndeon (700m) yields fresh, mineral Assyrtiko and elegant Xinomavro. Two terroirs, two distinct styles.

Is Kir-Yianni committed to sustainability?

Yes. They use integrated pest management, no-tillage farming, native cover crops, drip irrigation only when necessary, and compost pomace. In 2024, they measured carbon footprint and joined International Wineries for Climate Action.

Who makes Kir-Yianni wines?

Kir-Yianni was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris and is now led by his son Stellios Boutaris. The Macedonian estate operates two wineries on Mount Vermio's slopes: one in cool Amyndeon and one in historic Naoussa.

What style of wine does Kir-Yianni make?

Kir-Yianni specialises in Xinomavro—a complex red with high acidity and tannins—and mineral Assyrtiko whites. Their Xinomavro Sparkling Brut scored 91 points; the reds are savory and structured, built to age.

How much does Kir-Yianni wine cost?

Kir-Yianni wines range between £14.40 and £25.30. Entry-level rosé and sparkling start around £14–£15; single-vineyard reds and premium whites sit at £16–£25.