14 - Greece Flashcards
Describe the climate and topography of Greece
Climate
Mediterranean with long, hot summer (>30c) and short, mild winters
Inland is more continental with extreme temps - 45c in summer
Spring frost an issue in northern Greece
Sea breezes are a crucial moderating factor
Rainfall varies - Santorini is very dry, other regions 400-700mm with little/no rain during the growing season
Topography
Altitude due to mountainous e.g. Amyndeon and Mantinia
Flat plains e.g. eastern Macedonia and central Greece
Where is there more rainfall in Greece? Is irrigation allowed?
Mountainous areas in north and west
Irrigation is often essential
Although increased water shortages
To what extent can you generalise about Greek soil?
Wide variety of soil but generally poor apart from fertile plains
Vines and olives tend to be planted on the poorest soils –> low yields / high quality
What size is the typical producer in Greece? Why?
Very small - 0.5ha –> grapes sold to larger producers/co-ops or produce wine for local consumption
The mountainous terrain that requires handwork
Outline trends in vineyard management (5)
Modernisation lend by large companies in 60/70s
Expertise passed onto small growers who supplied them
Accession to EU in 1981 improved investment e.g. machine harvesters
Traditional methods remain especially on smaller vineyards e.g. hand harvesting, bush vines
Irrigation important esp for int’l varieties
How are most vineyards in Greece trained?
Trellised - cordon-trained with VSP
Special bush-vines used in places like Santorini
To what extent is organic viticulture practised?
Fairly widespread given hot, dry conditions limited the need for sprays
Which varieties are most in need of irrigation?
Int’l varieties that are not adapted to the dry climate e.g. Cab Sauv or Merlot
What % of plantings are indigenous?
90% - 60 of which are grown in significant amounts
How are many int’l varieties used in Greece?
Blended in small amounts with larger quantities of Greek varieties e.g. Sauvignon Blanc + Assyrtiko
What are the nine most widely planted grape varieties in Greece?
Outline the differences and similarities between Savatiano, Roditis, and Assyrtiko. (3)
Similarities
- Best examples of all three from old-vines / bush-vines
- All three are planted across Greece
- Savatiano and Roditis produce high yields
- Savatiano and Roditis are both used for high vol wines and Retsina
- Assyrtiko and Savatiano have high acid
Differences
- Savatiano is especially known for its drought resistance
- Assyrtiko has best reputation for HQ
- Assyrtiko retains acidity even at very high levels of ripeness and often has high ABV
Describe the characteristics of Savatiano
- Drought resistant
- Capable of high volumes
- Mainly for Retsina
- HQ from dry-farmed / bush vines - citrus, pear, stone fruit, nutty
Describe the characteristics of Roditis (4)
- Widely planted
- Pink skinned
- High yields –> cheap wine, retsina
- HQ from Pelo -> high acid, med body, melon
Describe the characteristics of Assyrtiko (4)
- Widely planted
- High acid / alcohol –> ageability
- Citrus, stone, tropical, flint + oak for Nykteri styles
- Sweet wines from dried grapes