Kir-Yianni 'l'Esprit du Lac' Xinomavro Rose 2019

SKU
KYXR201910 UCAU
  • Kir-Yianni makes wine across two regions in the north of Greece – Amyndeon and Naoussa
  • In Naoussa, the 58 Ha vineyard is located on the east slopes of Mount Vermion, situated at an altitude of 250 to 350 m
  • xinomavro has a layered complexity of fruit and serious acidity, which give them a unique character and long ageing potential.
  • 1 or more bottles
    $42.99
Add to Wish List
Black Card Get free freight and more when you’re a member of The Black Card Club. Learn More
Need expert help?
Chat with our Cellar Angel team
Call Us

Editors notes

L' Esprit du Lac or "the spirit of the lake" is the new rose wine from Kir-Yianni. It captures the dynamic spirit of Xinomavro into an elegant, refreshing rose. This seasonal wine has a light body, fresh acidity and peach and strawberry aromas.

Xinomavro is grown across the north of Greece and is the only grape permitted in the mono-grape wine region appellations of Goumenissa, Amyndeon and Naoussa. This is an incredibly rare version of this wine, made in a Saignee Rose style. Bone dry and fresh.

The grapes are sourced from the viticultural zone of Agios Panteleimon within the Amyndeon appellation in Florina, Northwestern Greece. The high altitude (700m) and the poor sandy soils of the area lead to the production of wines displaying finesse and a rare aromatic character. The four surrounding lakes that act as a buffer zone create perfect weather conditions for the cultivation of Xinomavro, more temperate than expected in this continental climate. The grapes come from 60-year- old vines, yielding no more than 6000 kg/ha. The selection of the vineyards was based on their soil, and the vines’ health and capacity to reach full maturity.

The most distinguished variety of Northern Greece mostly famously in the Macedonian PDO Naoussa. These wines are dense with silky mouthfeel, big tannins and good acidity. In fact, the name means “Acid Black”. These wines have a lot of layers and age well. Often compared to Nebbiolo from Italy it tastes of red fruits, olives, spice and dried tomatoes.

Details

Tasting Profile

  • Light (Light)
    Full (Full)
  • Low Tannin (Low Tannin)
    Tannic (Tannic)
  • Sweet (Sweet)
    Dry (Dry)
  • Low Acidity (Low Acidity)
    High Acidity (High Acidity)
  • Aroma
    • Blackcurrant
    • Earthy
    • Plum
  • Palate
    • Fig
    • Plum
    • Prune

Food Pairings

  • Game
  • Pork
  • Red Meat

Critic Scores & reviews

There are no critic ratings found.

Other vintages

Love this wine? Here's a list of other vintages we have in stock if you'd like to try them as well.

Current auction

All current auctions for this wine & any different vintages.

Locations

Greece

Greece is home to more than 200 Indigenous grape varieties, and many of these are not grown anywhere else in the world. These grapes flourish in the country’s mostly hot, arid Mediterranean climate. In summer, temperatures can exceed 30°C, though the surrounding sea tends to moderate coastal area temperatures. The three most popular varieties on an international scale are Xinomavro from Naoussa, Agiorgitiko from Nemea, and Assyrtiko from the island of Santorini. Xinomavro often invites comparison with Nebbiolo, with its high levels of tannin and acidity. Xinomavro wines can lack fruit in youth but have long-life potential, developing spiciness and earthiness with age. The best Agiorgitiko wines boast a rich ruby colour, high (but smooth) tannin levels, low to moderate acidity, and flavours of red fruit. Santorini’s white Assyrtiko wines enjoy a strong reputation for dry, aromatic styles with naturally high acidity.

Amyndeon

Lying on a plateau, Amyntaio (also spelled Amyndeon, Amynteo, or Amyndaio) is a wine appellation in the northwest of the Macedonia region of Greece. It lies just west of the wine subregion of Naoussa, which produces some of Greece's finest and most expensive red wines. The vineyards of Amyntaio sit between the mountains of Bermio and Voras, with four lakes surrounding them. These vineyards also sit at much higher altitudes (about 500-700 metres above sea level) than those of Naoussa. Plantings of the Xinomavro grape dominate here, as it thrives in Amyntaio’s mild, dry climate. What’s more, it’s the only variety that Amyntaio's appellation law permits. However, within the variety, producers can create a range of wine styles, including light, fruity reds and both still and sparkling dry rosés. Also, some growers do grow a number of other grape varieties that are permitted in the wider Florina and Macedonia regional appellations, such as the indigenous grape varieties Roditis and Malagousia; international varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Tannat; and Syrah, which makes for a great blending partner with Xinomavro.

About the brand Kir-Yianni

The Kir-Yianni company was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris. Based in Naoussa and Amyndeon, on both sides of mount Vermion in Northwestern Greece. With vineyards in Naoussa and Amyndeon planted to native and international varieties, they have scope to make some truly amazing wines. Their best is by far the Xinomavro based reds.The Kir-Yianni company was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris. Based in Naoussa and Amyndeon, on both sides of mount Vermion in Northwestern Greece. With vineyards in Naoussa and Amyndeon planted to native and international varieties, they have scope to make some truly amazing wines. Their best is by far the Xinomavro based reds.

You May Also Like

Customer Reviews

Write Your Own Review
You're reviewing:Kir-Yianni 'l'Esprit du Lac' Xinomavro Rose 2019
Your Rating

Never want to miss out? Allow Notifications to hear more from us

Remind me later

Thank you! Please check your email inbox to confirm.

Oops! Notifications are disabled.