In conversation with Lambros Papadimitriou from Kir-Yianni (Northern Greece) and Sigalas (Santorini)

We started to import the wines from Kir-Yianni, sensationally good wines represented by the fantastic Lambros,  a few years ago. Now the wines from Sigalas, based on the island of Santorini, have joined the portfolio as well. Here Lambros talks us through his wine, from Amyndeon to Xinomavro...

If someone is new to Kir-Yianni wines, what are the three most important things they should know?

It is all about terroir-sensitive quality in the most inspiring, sophisticated, and delightful way possible. Imprint of the two grand terroirs of Northern Greece: Naoussa and Amyndeon. A great story of an iconic wine family in Greece, restarted by Yiannis Boutaris with Kir-Yianni and recreated for the last 20 years by Stellios Boutaris, fifth generation winemaker.

Many consumers may be new to your primary red grape, Xinomavro. Why is it so important to you?

Kir-Yianni carries on unique 150-year-old bond with Xinomavro, so it is part of our DNA. This relation entails passion, deep knowledge of the grape and its key-terroirs (Naoussa and Amyndeon), dedication and a ceaseless adventurous spirit to do more: discover, learn, research, build tradition through innovation.

We love the Ramnista Xinomavro. What dishes would you pair with this?

As a Xinomavro benchmark,  Ramnista loves red meat – especially lamb - either grilled and BBQ or hearty casseroles. At the same time, is an exceptional pairing with various vegetables like mushrooms, eggplants, and zucchinis. Some ideas with these ingredients: risotto, pies, creamy au gratin dishes, even grilled vegetables.

Naoussa is the home of the Kir-Yianni estate. What are the great rewards this area gives you as a wine producer? And the greatest challenge?

Naoussa is one of our two homes (also Amyndeon). It is a region of outstanding natural beauty, fascinating history to antiquity (e.g. Aristotle’s School nearby) and a trailblazing wine history (spearheaded by our family). Our Ktima (estate) in Naoussa situated in the higher parts of the zone (up to 280 meters) is characterized by rolling vine hills in the shadow of Mount Vermion. First Xinomavro planting in 1970 that changed the course of wine history for the whole region, and systematic vineyard research and experimentation ever since that has contributed to the micromanagement of our vineyard (42 blocks managed in the way fit according to conditions)

The great rewards: The endless possibilities of Xinomavro combined to our restless spirit. The intriguing diversity of the Naoussa terroir with exceptional micro-terroir expressions. The rising trend of Xinomavro and Naoussa worldwide, -standing by this goal and fully supporting team efforts for decades. Our philosophy of empathy and mindfulness in terms of environmental respect and balance to the agroecosystem, from vine to glass, resulted in being us the first ever Greek winery to join International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) as a Silver Member.

The great challenges: Staying true to Xinomavro character and all those elements that make it so distinctive and special. Working collaboratively with IWCA members on our journey to carbon neutrality – hopefully, inspiring other Greek wineries to join this initiative.

Kir-Yianni now owns Domaine Sigalas in Santorini. Why is this island so iconic?

Since 2020 Kir-Yianni has the management of  Domaine Sigalas, a benchmark winery for the Santorinian wine with iconic wines that paved the way for the world acclamation of the island. In a most symbolic, insightful, and inspiring way, Stellios Boutaris has entrusted this great legacy to a team of young scientists (oenologists and viticulturists). Building the Santorini future with respect, knowledge and fresh ideas. Santorini is special for various reasons. Probably on the bucket list of everyone around the globe, despite wine.

When it comes to wine, the island is a unique case of heroic viticulture in the most difficult conditions possible (anhydrous, high temperatures on volcanic soils, strong winds etc) where all the stars align in a magic way producing spectacular wines, profoundly driven by the terroir. At the same time, it is a case of human insightfulness and ingenuity on how to overcome those harsh conditions and manage to cultivate on those hostile grounds; the basket-shaped vines (kouloura) is an eloquent demonstration of exactly that human originality.

Are there many synergies between Naoussa in the North and Santorini in the South, or is it ‘night and day’?

It is night and day. Nevertheless, both are key appellations to two of the most fascinating Greek grapes (Xinomavro/ Naoussa and Assyrtiko/Santorini), carry on long traditions and spearhead Greek Wine campaign across the globe. Tasting Santorini and Naoussa, besides the world of differences between them, is a pure display of the diversity and the richness of Greek wine.

Can you finish this sentence? “The future is very bright for Greek wines because…”

Because it is mind-blowingly diverse and far from reaching its full potential.