25 - Greece Flashcards
What makes the varietals that grow in Greece so distinct?
These grapes thrive in hot, arid conditions and provide Greece with a unique selling points on export markets.
Describe the climate and grape growing in Greece?
Overall it has a hot mediterranean climate. In summer temperatures reach well over 30 celsius, although coastal areas tend to be moderated by the sea. Drought is a particular concern on the east side of Greece, which lies in the rain shadow of mountains and means there little water free for irrigation.
What are the dominant varietals in Greece?
- Assyrtiko
- Xinomavro
- Agiorgitiko
What are the three main PDO regions in Greece?
- Naoussa PDO
- Nemea PDO
- Santorini PDO
Describe the Naoussa PDO Region?
Northern Greece, in the region of Macedonia. Vinyerads are at altitudes of up to 400 meters, which has a cooling effect. The PDO is for red wines made out Xinomavro, which is often compared to Nebbiolo.
Describe the common profile of Xinomavro wines?
High levels of tannins, and acidity and its wines have traditionally a medium colour that quickly fades to tawny and they tend lack fresh fruit aromas even in their youth. These wined can be long lived and can develop complex spice and earthy aromas with age.
Describe the Nemea PDO region?
In the north of the Peloponnese peninsula, close to the strip of land that connects to mainland Greece. The vineyards are spread over a wide range of altitudes from 230 - 900 metres. The best fruit come from the vineyards in the middle of this range. Fruit from the lower slopes tend to be made into fruity wines for early consumption. This is a PDO for red wines made of Agiortiko exclusively.
Describe the common profile of Agiortiko wines from Nemea?
The best wines have a deep ruby colour, with high levels of smooth tannins, low to moderate acidity, sweet spice and red fruit flavours. These wines have a great affinity for new oak and age well.
Describe the Santorini PDO region?
Its a windswept volcanic island in the Agean sea. Winds are so strong here that a unique vine training method has to be used here to protect the vines. The permanent wood is trained into a basket shape and the fruit grows on the inside. The PDO covers red and white grape growing, made in dry and sweet styles, but its the whites made form Assyrtiko that have the highest reputation.
Describe the common profile of Assyrtiko wines from Santorini?
Dry wines display aromatic perfumed aromas and concentrated flavours of ripe citrus and stone fruit, balance by the natural high acidity of the varietal. The sweet wines are known as Vinasanto. Late harvested grapes are sun dried for up to 14 days. Wines are then aged in old oak barrels for a minimum of two years, although many producers age for longer. Lusciously sweet, balanced with high acidity, the older wines show a marked oxidative character of caramel and nuts.
