25 - Greece Flashcards
3 greek grapes & regions
- Xinomavro (black) - Naoussa PDO
- Agiorgitiko (black) - Nemea PDO
- Assyrtiko (white) - Santorini PDO
Climate in Greece
Hot Mediterranean
Description of climate in Greece
temp, rain, hazards etc
- Hot Mediterranean
- temp. can reach well over 30C
- coastal areas tend to be moderated by the sea
- altitude & wind can also have a cooling effect
- in the islands to the south-east of the mainland the wind are strong enough to destroy unprotected vy
- rainfall levels can vary, but even in the wetter areas in the west of the country the almost complete lack of rain in the growing season can cause water stress
- drought is a particular concern on the eastern side of Greece (lies in the rain shadow of the mountains where there is little available water for irrigation)
hazards in Greece
- wind: islands to the south-east of the mainland
- drought: eastern side of Greece
how many grape varieties are native to Greece
over 200
Naoussa PDO
(where, altitude, PDO, grape)
- in northern Greece in the region of Macedonia
- vy are at altitudes up to 400m, noticeably cooler than the surrounding area
- PDO for red wines made exclusively from Xinomavro
char. of red wines of Xinomavro
- often compared with Nebbiolo
- high levels of tannin & acidity
Traditionally
- medium colour that quickly fades to tawny
- lack fresh fruit aromas even in their youth
- long-lived
- age: can develop complex spice & earthy aromas
Some winemakers make different styles
- more deeply coloured
- less tannic
- some are aged in new oak
where is Naoussa?
in northern Greece in the region of Macedonia
what grape is made in the Naoussa PDO?
Xinomavro
where is Xinomavro grown?
in Naoussa PDO in Greece
Nemea PDO
(where, altitude, grape)
- in the north of the Peloponnese close to the narrow strip of land that joins the peninsula to the rest of mainland Greece
- vy spread over a wide range of altitudes from 230-900m
(best fruit comes from the vy in the middle) - PDO for red wines made exclusively from Agiorgitiko
describe the vy of Nemea & the difference in characteristics due to altitude
- vy spread over a wide range of altitudes from 230-900m
- best fruit comes from the vy in the middle
hotter lower slopes:
- can be overly jammy
- fruity wines for early consumption
higher slopes:
- higher acidity & less fine tannins
- can add freshness to a red blend
- best suited to rosé production
best
- deep ruby colour
- high levels of smooth tannins
- low to moderate acidity
- sweet spice & red fruit flavours
- great affinity for new oak & age well
where is Nemea?
in the north of the Peloponnese close to the narrow strip of land that joins the peninsula to the rest of mainland Greece
what grape is grown in Nemea PDO?
Agiorgitiko
where is Agiorgitiko grown?
Nemea PDO
Santorini PDO
(where, vy, wines, grape)
- a windswept volcanic island in the Aegean Sea
- the permanent wood is trained very low into a basket shape & the fruit grows on the inside
- PDO for red & white wines made in dry & sweet styles
- Assyrtiko have the highest reputation
vine training on Santorini
- the winds are so strong that a unique training method has to be used here to protect the vines
- the permanent wood is trained very low into a basket shape
- the fruit grows on the inside
what grape is grown on Santorini
Assyrtiko
where is Santorini
it is a windswept volcanic island in the Aegean Sea
characteristics & wm of wine from Assyrtiko
Dry wines
- perfumed aromas
- concentrated flavours of ripe citrus & stone fruit
- natural high acidity
Sweet wines
- Vinsanto
- Late-harvested grapes are sun-dried for up to 14 days
- aged in old oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years (many far longer)
- luscious sweetness
- high acidity
- older wines: marked oxidative character of caramel & nuts
Greek wine laws
- Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
- Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
For export markets:
- producers of dry PDO wines may either use the term Prot. Des. of Or. or, less frequently, Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure on their wine labels
(subcategory within the PDO classification)
Domestic market
- Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis
Greek wine laws
- Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
- Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
For export markets:
- producers of dry PDO wines may either use the term Prot. Des. of Or. or, less frequently, Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure on their wine labels
(subcategory within the PDO classification)
Domestic market
- Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis
what is Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure in Greece?
subcategory within the PDO classification
what is the PDO in Greece?
- Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
- Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure
(subcat. within the PDO classification) - Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis
