KIR YIANNI NAOUSSA XINOMAVRO 2020

Garnet red, typical color to Xinomavro. Vibrant red and black fruit on the nose, with aromas of strawberry, cherry, and plums. A crisp and fruit-forward mouth with delicate notes of sweet spices and tobacco. Medium body with good acidity and smooth tannins adding structure and leading to a pleasant finish.

Xinomavro is a noble Greek red grape mostly cultivated in northern Greece. It is the second most planted dark-skinned grape in the country that is often compared to the legendary Italian Nebbiolo. The grape is usually made into dry red wines with a strong savory character, great personality, and good acidity.

The best examples come from Naousa PDO. In their youth, wines made from Xinomavro are tannic and high in acidity, but they will typically gain complexity and elegance as they age. The typical aroma found in these wines is reminiscent of sour cherries and pomegranate, along with hints of tomatoes, mushrooms, spice, and black olives.

Best examples can be aged for several years, even decades, creating wines with complex floral, herbal, spice, and leather-like notes.