Kir-Yianni

The justified popularity of Assyrtiko has meant that producers are growing it outside of its traditional home on Santorini. One of the potential problems when the grape is grown outside of Santorini is that the wine tends to lose some of its delightful punchiness. Not this one. Kir Yianni, one of Greece’s top producers, grows the grape at high elevations, 2,000 feet above sea level, in northern Greece (hence its name). The cutting 2024 retains all the vigorous saline-tinged acidity and verve you would expect from the grape. Good depth allows you to match it with fatty fish, such as black cod or salmon. 93 Michael Apstein

The Kir-Yanni Assyrtiko originates from select vine parcels situated in northern Greece, on one of the coolest sites on the unique Amyndeon plateau. High altitudes between 600 and 700 meters, combined with poor sandy soils surrounded by four lakes, contribute to the moderating temperatures year round. The North is an introductory white wine made from young assyritko vines (average age 10 years). It has a bright yellow hue, a nose of peaches and apricots, and a crisp, if simple palate. A perfect wine for fish tacos.