C25 - Greece Flashcards

1
Q

Which three Greek grape varieties have received the most recognition on the international export market and which region are they linked to?

A

Xinomavro from Naoussa Agiorgitiko from Nemea Assyrtiko from Santorini

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2
Q

Describe the climate in Greece

A

Hot mediterranean; summers can reach over 30C

Cooled by altitude and in the coastal areas, by the sea

Winds in islands southeast of the mainland can be strong enough to destroy vines, but also have a cooling effect

Drought can be an issue, even in the wetter areas, but particularly in the eastern areas of the country

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3
Q

Why is the eastern part of Greece particularly susceptible to drought?

A

It is in the rain-shadow of the Pindos Oros mountains, where there is little water available for irrigation

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4
Q

How many grape varieties are native to Greece?

A

Over 200

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5
Q

What is special about Greece’s native grape varieties?

A

They are well adapted to survive in the arid, hot conditions found in Greece

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6
Q

What is the requirement regarding grape varieties, of most Greek PDO designations?

A

The use of native varieties

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7
Q

Where in Greece is Naoussa PDO?

A

In northern Greece, in the region of Macedonia

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8
Q

Describe the vineyards of Naoussa PDO

A

They are at altitudes of up to 400m and are noticeably cooler than surrounding areas

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9
Q

What are the varietal requirements for Naoussa PDO?

A

Must be red wines made exclusively from Xinomavro

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10
Q

With which more famous wine grape is Xinomavro most commonly compared?

A

Nebbiolo

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11
Q

Describe wines made from Xinomavro

A

High tannin

High acidity

Medium colour that fades to tawny with age

They lack fresh fruit aromas even in youth

Long-lived

Develop complex spice and earthy aromas with age

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12
Q

How are new winemakers playing with the traditional format of Xinomavro?

A

Some are more deeply coloured and less tannic

Some are aged in new oak

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13
Q

Where is Nemea?

A

In the north of the Peloponnese, close to the narrow strip of land that joins the peninsula to the rest of mainland Greece

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14
Q

What are the varietal requirements for Nemea PDO?

A

Must be red wines made exclusively from Agiorgitiko

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15
Q

Describe the vineyards of Nemea

A

They are spread over a wide range of altitudes from 230 to 900 metres

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16
Q

Where in Nemea does the best fruit come from?

A

The vineyards in the middle of the altitude range

17
Q

Describe wines made from fruit at the bottom of the slopes in Nemea

A

They can be overly jammy and tend to be made into fruity wines for early consumption

18
Q

Describe fruit from the higher slopes of Nemea

A

Tends to have a higher acidity and less fine tannins

Can add freshness to a red blend

Best suited to rosé production

19
Q

Describe the best wines of Nemea

A

Deep ruby colour

High levels of smooth tannins

Low to moderate acidity

Sweet spice and red fruit flavours

Great affinity for new oak and age well

20
Q

Where/what (roughly) is Santorini?

A

It is a windswept volcanic island in the Aegean Sea

21
Q

What is special about vines on Santorini? Why are they like this?

A

They are trained very low into a basket shape and the fruit grows on the inside To protect them against the strong winds on the island

22
Q

What style/colour must Santorini PDO wines be made into?

A

They can be red or white, dry or sweet

23
Q

What style in Santorini has the highest reputation?

A

White wines made from Assyrtiko

24
Q

Describe dry white wines from Santorini

A

Perfumed aromas and concentrated flavours of ripe citrus and stone fruit High acidity

25
Q

How are the sweet wines of Santorini PDO known?

A

Vinsanto

26
Q

How are the late-harvested, Vinsanto grapes of Santorini PDO made?

Describe the resulting sweet wines

A

Sun-dried for up to 14 days

Wines then aged in oak for minimum of two years (many producers age their wine for far longer)

Sweetness balanced by high acidity

Older wines show oxidative character of caramel and nuts

27
Q

Other than PDO, how may Greek wine producers label their wines?

A

Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure

28
Q

What is the Greek equivalent of PDO on the domestic market?

A

Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis