Ancient Lands: Georgia, Greece, Israel & Lebanon Flashcards
(33 cards)
Continually, since the 6th century BC, Georgians have made wine in a vessel called a _________
Qvevri
Qvevri
A giant clay vessel often lined with beeswax and buried underground to keep temperatures constant. Used to ferment grape juice.
What is the climate & terroir of Georgia
Climate: Continental, mild
Soil: Calcareous clay, loam, alluvial soil
What are the major white grape varieties in Georgia
- Tsitka
- Rkatsiteli
- Kisi
- Mtsvane Kakhuri
- Tsolikouri
What are the major red grape varieties in Georgia
- Saperavi
- Alexandrouli
- Ojaleshi
- Alexandria
- Mudzhuretuli
White wine made from Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grapes
Tsinandali
Naturally semi-sweet white wine made from the Tsolikouri grape
Tvishi
High quality, naturally semi-sweet wine. 100% Saperavi.
Kindzmarauli
Dry red wine; 100% Saperavi
Mukuzani
High-end, naturally semi-sweet red wine made from Alexandrouli and Mudzhuretuli. Stalin’s favorite wine.
Khvanchkara
The two most important wine regions in Georgia
- Kartli: Higher elevation; cool & windy. Lighter style still and sparkling wines.
- Kakheti: 80% of total production. Home of the qvevri. Subregions: Telavi and Kvareli
There are ___ wine regions with ___ registered PDO appellations in Georgia
10 regions, 24 PDOs
What is the climate & terroir in Greece
Climate: continental, wet (North); maritime Mediterranean (South & Islands)
Soil: limestone & clay (marl), schist, volcanic
What are the major white grape varieties in Greece
- Assyrtiko
- Moschofilero
- Muscat
- Malagousia
What are the major red grape varieties in Greece
- Xinomarvo
- Agiorgitiko
- Mavrodaphne
What are the classifications used to label wine in Greece
- PDO (AOC and AOSQ): strictest designation
- PGI: second quality tier, divided into three levels; PGI regional, PGI district and PGI area
Style of wine that is infused with sap from Aleppo pine trees made from Savatino, Roditis or Assyrtiko grapes
Retsina wine
Most famously hails from the island of Santorini,known for its acidity, apple and lemon flavors, and ability to express the saline, volcanic nature of its terroir
Assyrtiko
Age worthy white originatin in Peloponnese, can be made still or sparkling
Moschofilero
A rich, fruity wine with high viscosity, similar to Viognier
Malagousia
Translates to ‘acid black’, high acid/ high tannin variety often compared to Barolo
Xinomavro
The most planted red variety in Greece
Agiorgitiko
Translates to ‘black laurel’, most famous as a late-harvest, sweet red wine from Patras. Modern producers are using it to make dry styles that compare to Syrah
Mavrodaphne
What are some major PDOs in Macedonia
- Naoussa PDO
- Amynteo PDO
- Goumenissa PDO
