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WSET® Level 4 D3 Wines of the World > D3 - Greece > Flashcards

D3 - Greece Flashcards

Examines the regions, grapes, methods of production, and styles of Greece.

1
Q

What is the general climate of Greece?

A

Mediterranean with long, hot summers and short, mild winters.

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2
Q

What are the latitudes for Greece?

A

Between 34° and 42°N.

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3
Q

As one moves more inland in Greece, the climate shifts from Mediterranean to what?

A

Continental

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4
Q

What is a weather hazard in northern Greece?

A

Spring frost

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5
Q

Name 2 moderating factors in Greece that help cool down warmer areas.

A
  1. Elevation - helps in warm inland areas;
  2. The sea - helps with warm areas near the coast.
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6
Q

Why are strong onshore winds a threat to vineyards planted in the islands of Greece?

A

Strong winds can:
1. Stop photosynthesis;
2. Interrupt flowering and berry-set;
3. Delay ripening;
4. Destroy unprotected vines;
5. Increase water stress.

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7
Q

Rainfall in Greece varies.

What is the typical range?

A

Most winegrowing regions see 400 to 700mm/year, except for Santorini which is exceptionally dry.

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8
Q

Select the correct answer.

When does rain fall in Greece generally?

a. throughout the year, even during the growing season
b. fall, winter and spring - there is little to no rain during the growing season

A

b. fall, winter and spring - there is little to no rain during the growing season

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9
Q

Does Greece have one distinct soil type through its many regions, or do soil types vary?

A

Vary - everything from limestone to volcanic, and generally low in fertility.

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10
Q

Select the correct answer.

Many grapegrowers in Greece:

a. sell their grapes to larger producers or co-ops, or simply produce small volumes to sell locally
b. use all their grapes for their own production because vineyards tend to be large and everyone has a winery

A

a. sell their grapes to larger producers or co-ops, or simply produce small volumes to sell locally

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11
Q

What makes Greece suitable for organic and biodynamic viticulture?

A

It generally has hot, dry growing conditions.

Hot, dry growing conditions lower disease pressure and thus lessens the need for chemical treatments.

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12
Q

How are the majority of vines trellised in Greece?

A

Cordon-trained with VSP.

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13
Q

Is irrigation permitted in Greece?

On which varieties will irrigation generally be used?

A
  • Yes, irrigation is permitted in Greece;
  • Mostly used for international varietals as many local varieties have developed higher tolerances of drought.
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14
Q

In Greece, roughly ___% of all plantings are of indigenous grape varieties.

A

90%

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15
Q

In Greece, white wine makes up over ___% of annual production.

A

70%

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16
Q

What are the 6 most commonly seen white grapes grown in Greece?

A
  1. Roditis;
  2. Savatiano;
  3. Assyrtiko;
  4. Moschofilero
  5. Muscat;
  6. Malagousia.
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17
Q

In Greece, what is the most planted grape variety of either color?

A

Roditis

Note that Savatiano is the correct answer if you’re using the 2023-24 matierals and that RODITIS is the correct answer if you’re using the 2024-25 materials.

Both the content of the books available last academic year (2023-24) and the content of the books available this academic year (Aug 2024 to July 2025) will be taken as correct for the entirety of the academic year (until 1 August 2025). Hence, students who have already downloaded and started studying the existing books for an examination scheduled for the coming academic year do not need to start studying from the updated books nor amend their notes with the revisions.

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18
Q

The most commonly used grape variety in Retsina is ______.

A

Savatiano

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19
Q

What are the aromas of Savatiano?

A

Subtle citrus, pear and stone fruits in their youth; with age the wine gains a nutty character.

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20
Q

What is the second-most planted grape variety in Greece?

A

Roditis

Roditis is allowed to be blended into Retsina.

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21
Q

Which two white grape varieties in Greece have pink skin?

A
  1. Roditis;
  2. Moschofilero.
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22
Q

The Assyrtiko grape is originally from this Greek island.

A

Santorini

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23
Q

What quality of Assyrtiko makes it not only ideal for dessert wine production but also age-worthy?

A

It retains high levels of acidity when ripe, even in the hottest conditions.

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24
Q

What are the flavor characteristics of a dry Assyrtiko?

A
  • Citrus, stone, tropical fruit;
  • Strong smoky/flinty character;
  • Sometimes secondary characteristics due to oak aging.
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25
Q

What are the aromatic notes of Moschofilero?

A
  • Citrus;
  • Florals (rose petals);
  • Muscat-like spices.

Moschofilero also tends to have high acid, light body, and low alcohol.

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26
Q

Give a brief profile on Malagousia.

A
  • Medium body;
  • Medium acidity;
  • Intense, complex aromas of stone fruits and flowers;
  • Herbal or herbaceous notes if picked early or grown in cool sites.
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27
Q

What are the 2 most planted red grape varieties in Greece?

A
  1. Agiorgitiko;
  2. Merlot.

See chart p.210

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28
Q

What styles of wine can be produced with Agiorgitiko?

A
  • Lighter, fruit-forward style for early drinking;
  • Complex, full-bodied age-worthy styles;
  • High quality rosé;
  • Sweet wine.
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29
Q

Describe a typical Agiorgitiko made in an approachable red style.

A

Deeply colored with:

  • Medium acidity;
  • Medium to high levels of soft tannins;
  • Medium alcohol;
  • Ripe red fruit;
  • Sweet spices.
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30
Q

Which Greek PDO is known for their quality Agiorgitiko?

A

Nemea PDO

Which is in the Peloponnese.

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31
Q

Which Greek PDO is best known for high quality Xinomavro?

A

Naoussa PDO

Which is in northern Macedonia.

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32
Q

Describe a classic profile of Xinomavro.

A

In their youth:

  • High levels of acidity;
  • Grippy tannins;
  • Aromas that are more vegetal than fruity;
  • Pale in color that turns garnet rapidly.

With some bottle age:

  • Complex aromas of flowers, herbs, spices, leather and earthiness.
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33
Q

In recent years, some Greek producers are making Xinomavro in a more approachable style.

Describe this style.

A
  • More fruity;
  • Softer tannins;
  • Using riper grapes;
  • Not using as much extraction;
  • Lower acidity levels;
  • New oak;
  • Adding Merlot to soften Xinomavro’s rough edges.
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34
Q

Retsina is made throughout Greece but most of it comes from where in Greece?

A

The hot central plains.

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35
Q

For Greek Retsina, at what point is resin usually added to the wine?

A
  • Usually added to the must;
  • Wine then left on its lees for up to a week post-fermentation (giving a more subtle, integrated pine resin character).
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36
Q

What is the Greek equivalent to the EU’s PDO?

A

POP

(Prostatevmeni Onomasia Proelefsis)

There are 33 POPs in Greece.

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37
Q

What is the Greek equivalent to the EU’s PGI?

A

PGE

(Prostatevmeni Geografiki Endiksi)

There are >120 PGEs in Greece

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38
Q

In Greece, POPs account for ___% of total annual production.

And PGEs account for ___% of total annual production.

A

POPs: ~8%
PGEs: ~17%

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39
Q

Greek wines without a geographical indication are labeled simply as ______.

A

Wines from Greece

Used mainly for high-volume brands and blended from grapes produced in more than one region; also accounts for around 66% of annual production.

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40
Q

What is the special appellation category that Retsina takes?

A

OKP

This special category is used for traditional Greek products.

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41
Q

What is the range of geographic features of Macedonia in northern Greece?

A
  • Mountains in the north and west (continental climate);
  • Plains in the east (warm Mediterranean climate).
42
Q

Select the correct answer.

In the mountains of Macedonia in northern Greece, the annual 650-700mm of rain this region sees falls:

a. only during the winter
b. only during the growing season
c. throughout the year

A

c. throughout the year

Water supply isn’t really an issue in this region.

43
Q

What are the 2 leading PDOs in Macedonia in northern Greece?

A
  1. Naoussa PDO;
  2. Amynteo PDO.
44
Q

The plains in eastern Macedonia in northern Greece is in a ______, and therefore drier than the mountainous part of the region.

A

Rain shadow

45
Q

The soils in the warm, Mediterranean plains in the eastern part of Macedonia in northern Greece are ______, so they’re ideal for the production of high-volume wines.

A

Fertile

46
Q

Name 2 PGIs in the eastern plains of Macedonia in northern Greece producing some good and very good quality wines.

A
  1. Drama PGI;
  2. Kavala PGI.
47
Q

Both Naoussa PDO and Amynteo PDO produce red wines made from 100% ______.

A

Xinomavro

48
Q

Drama PGI is known for what style of red wine?

A

Full-bodied, modern style Bordeaux blends.

49
Q

PDO Naoussa covers the south-eastern slopes of _______.

At what elevation are the vineyards planted here?

A
  • Mount Vermio;
  • 150-400m asl.
50
Q

PDO Naoussa is relatively cool as a whole, and the best vineyard sites are sheltered from what?

A

Strong, cold winds that blow from the north and west.

51
Q

Name 2 important producers in PDO Naoussa.

A
  1. Thymiopoulos Vineyards;
  2. Kir-Yianni.
52
Q

Why do traditional reds from PDO Naoussa show as pronounced spicy, meaty, and restrained styles of wine?

A

This style of wine is aged in large old wooden vessels.

53
Q

In recent years, some wines from PDO Naoussa show a more modern style.

What techniques are being used to give these wines a more modern flair, and how do they affect the final wine?

A
  • Picking the fruit more ripe;
  • Use of cold soaking or whole-bunch fermentation;
  • Final wine is deeply colored and less tannic.
54
Q

Select the correct answer.

The soils and climate of PDO Naoussa are:

a. consistent throughout the entire PDO
b. a complex mixture of soils and microclimates

A

b. a complex mixture of soils and microclimates

In fact, a number of producers are now making village or single-vineyard wines which highlight the variations between different areas of the region.

55
Q

PDO Amynteo is on the northwestern side of Mount _____.

A

Vermio

56
Q

The vineyards in PDO Amynteo are higher or lower than those in Naoussa?

What is their elevation?

A
  • Higher;
  • 570-750m asl.
57
Q

The northerly aspect of PDO Amynteo means that the vineyards there are exposed to what?

A

Cold northerly winds, leading to cool summers and cold winters.

Site selection in PDO Amynteo is crucial.

58
Q

What geographical features in PDO Amynteo help moderate the temperatures, but also increase the humidity?

A
  • Lakes;
  • Increase in humidity leads to increased risk of rot.
59
Q

The soil in PDO Amynteo is fertile, so grape growers have to take special care of the vines so as to control ______.

A

Yields – if uncared for, the vines will overcrop and fail to ripen the grapes.

60
Q

What style of wine is permitted in PDO Amynteo but not permitted in PDO Naoussa?

A

Rosé

61
Q

Generally, the red wines from PDO Amynteo are lighter in body and lower in tannins with the finest examples having a distinctive floral quality than those from PDO Naoussa due to what?

A

Cooler temperatures.

62
Q

Name an important producer in PDO Amynteo.

A

Alpha Estate.

63
Q

Which area of Greece has the largest number of vineyard plantings in the country?

A

Peloponnese

Nearly 30% of the national total.

64
Q

What are the 2 most significant PDOs in Peloponnese?

A
  1. PDO Nemea;
  2. PDO Mantinia.
65
Q

Generally, is the Peloponnese a flat region with fertile soils, or is it a mountainous region with mostly poor, rocky soils?

A

A mountainous region with mostly poor, rocky soils.

There is a small area of flatter land, including the plains around Patra, where conditions are hotter and the soil more fertile.

66
Q

Despite Peloponnese being at a southerly latitude, it is cooled and moderated by what?

A

Altitude

67
Q

Why do rainfall levels drop in the Peloponnese the further east you go?

A

Mountains shelter the region from westerly rains off the sea.

68
Q

The Peloponnese is dominated by which 2 white grape varieties?

A
  1. Moschofilero;
  2. Roditis.
69
Q

What is the name of the canal that separates the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of mainland Greece?

A

Corinth Canal.

70
Q

Which Greek PDO known for its red wines is closely situated to the Corinth Canal?

A

PDO Nemea.

71
Q

PDO Nemea makes red wine only and must made from 100% _____.

A

Agiorgitiko

Dry and sweet wine styles are permitted, though sweet styles are rare.

72
Q

Name two important PDO Nemea producers.

A
  1. Gaia Wines;
  2. Tselepos.
73
Q

What is the climate of PDO Nemea?

A

Mediterranean.

74
Q

In PDO Nemea, when does the majority of rain fall?

A

Autumn and winter.

75
Q

What is the average annual rainfall for PDO Nemea?
And what does the rainfall help dictate?

A
  • It can vary wildly, from 400mm to 900mm, which can impact yields and quality from one year to the next;
  • Rain in autumn can sometimes dictate harvest times.
76
Q

What are the 3 distinct zones of PDO Nemea?

A
  1. Lowest zone: hottest, on the valley floor with most fertile soils, 230-400m asl;
  2. Cooler middle zone: best for quality wines, 450-650m asl with poor, free-draining soils and a range of microclimates;
  3. Highest zone: cooler with clay soils, 650-1000m asl, mostly used for rosé production

Since PDO Nemea is for red wine only, rosés are outside the PDO system.

77
Q

PDO Mantinia is on a plateau with elevations starting at ____m asl.

A

600m asl

This makes Mantinia one of the coolest grape-growing areas in Greece with a long growing season.

78
Q

PDO Mantinia allows for only this style of wine.

A

White wines

79
Q

The main white grape in PDO Mantinia is ______.

A

Moschofilero

80
Q

The highest quality white wines from Mantinia PDO will be made from 100% Moschofilero, but blends from Mantinia must be a minimum ____% Moschofilero.

A

85%

81
Q

In what vessel are most white wines from Mantinia fermented?

A

Stainless steel, to retain the wine’s freshness.

Most white wines from Mantinia are also drunk young.

82
Q

Name 2 important producers in PDO Mantinia.

A
  1. Boutari;
  2. Seméli Estate.
83
Q

Santorini is known for its dry and sweet wines made from this white grape.

A

Assyrtiko

84
Q

What 3 climatic features is Santorini known for?

A
  1. Strong winds;
  2. Little rainfall;
  3. Some fog, which sometimes is the only moisture some vines see.
85
Q

How are vines traditionally trained in Santorini?

A
  • Low to the ground in a basket shape, typically in a hollow;
  • Each year, the vines are woven around the previous year’s growth;
  • When a basket gets too bulky (every twenty years or so) it is cut off and a new basket is started from a shoot.
86
Q

What is the typical vine density on Santorini?
Why?

A
  • 2500 vines per ha;
  • To cope with the extremely limited amount of water available.
87
Q

What is the predominant soil type on Santorini?

A

Volcanic.

88
Q

Maximum yields on Santorini are set at 60hl/ha, but in practice they can be as low as 15hl/ha, especially from the oldest of vines.

Why are the yields so low?

A
  1. Very infertile, volcanic soil;
  2. Low rainfall;
  3. These contribute to low vigor and, thus, low-yielding vines.
89
Q

Does the Santorini PDO allow for red and rosé wines?

A

No - white wines only, made both dry and sweet.

90
Q

Dry wines from Santorini must be a minimum ____% Assyrtiko.

Sweet wines from Santorini must be a minimum ____% Assyrtiko.

A

Dry wines: minimum 75% Assyrtiko
Sweet wines: minimum 51% Assyrtiko

The best wines will be 100% Assyrtiko.

91
Q

Most Assyrtiko from Santorini is made in neutral vessels to retain fruit flavors.

Does that mean it’s fermented at low, medium, or high fermentation temperatures?

A

Low fermentation temps.

92
Q

What is the name of the sweet wine from Santorini?

A

Vinsanto (one word).

93
Q

How is Vinsanto from Santorini made?

A

Using late harvest grapes which are dried in the sun for up to 2 weeks.

94
Q

What is the aging requirement for Vinsanto from Santorini?

A
  1. Minimum 2 years in oak prior to release;
  2. Many producers use large casks which they do not top up to encourage oxidation.
95
Q

Give 3 descriptors of Vinsanto from Santorini.

A
  1. Raisins;
  2. Coffee;
  3. Chocolate.
96
Q

What is the typical residual sugar levels for Vinsanto from Santorini?

A

200-300g/L

This RS is balanced by Assyrtiko’s natural high acidity.

97
Q

Name 2 important producers on Santorini making Vinsanto.

A
  1. Domaine Sigalas;
  2. Estate Argyros.
98
Q

Name 2 of the largest producers of Greek wines.

A
  1. Boutaris Group;
  2. Greek Wine Cellars.
99
Q

The most significant market for Greek wines is:

a. their domestic market
b. Russia
c. China

A

a. their domestic market

Only ~11% of Greek wine is exported, and its top export market is Germany.

100
Q

In Greece, what are the percentages of total annual wine production for:

a. PDO/POP wines
b. PGI/PGE wines
c. Wines from Greece

A

a. 8%
b. 17%
c. 66%

WSET® Level 4 D3 Wines of the World (47 decks)

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