Greece Flashcards
How long has Greece been producing wine?
5,000+ years
What recent event led to a large increase in Greek wine exports?
The 2008 financial crisis, which forced producers to export wbecause domestic consumption plummeted
What is the climate of Greece? What factors affect conditions besides climate?
Greece is mostly Mediterranean, with more continental climates inland, but the best vineyards tend to be high in mountains at moderate temperatures
What is the largest viticultural threat in Greece?
Strong, onshore winds that can stop photosynthesis, interrupt flowering and fruit set, and delay ripening; can be strong enough to destroy unprotected vines (also very dry and increase water stress)
Which Greek wine region is the exception to its general annual rainfall of 400-700mm?
Santorini, which is very dry
Why have yields traditionally been low in Greece, and what is the result of this practice?
Farmers planted their more fertile soil for more lucrative crops, leaving grapes (and olives) to less fertile soils, which has resulted in many vineyards now planted on soils considered ideal for high-quality production
How many hectares under vine for wine production in Greece?
61,500 ha as of 2018
Why are many vineyards still worked by hand in Greece?
Average holdings are just a half ha, and the terrain is tricky
What led to the widespread modernization of the Greek wine industry?
Greece joining the EU in 1981, which gave them access to funding
What is the state of organic / biodynamic production in Greece?
Hot, dry conditions make Greece suited to organic growing and many producers have done so for centuries; chemical interventions is a relatively recent occurrence
How are vines trained in Greece?
Most are trellised, usually cordon-trained with VSP, but some places may have specific traditional trellis and pruning systems for local conditions (particularly Santorini)
Is irrigation permitted in Greece?
Yes, mostly used for international varieties because local grapes have higher drought tolerance
What percentage of Greek plantings are indigenous grapes? How many varieties are there?
90% of plantings are indigenous, there are around 300 different ones
What is the most widely-planted wine grape variety in Greece?
Savatiano
What are the most widely planted white wine grapes in Greece?
Savatiano, Roditis, Assyrtiko, Moschofilero
What are the most widely planted (indigenous) red grapes in Greece?
Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro
What percentage of Greek wine production is white?
Over 70%
What is Savatiano used for, and why?
Large volumes of inexpensive white wine, including most Retsina, because it is drought resistant and grows in the fertile center of Greece
What is Roditis used for, and why? Where are high-quality examples made?
High-yielding and so is used tor inexpensive wine and Retsina (as a blending partner). Reputation improving at altitude, from old vines, as in the Peloponnese
Describe Assyrtiko
Greece’s most prized indigenous white grape, originally from Santorini but planted throughout the mainland and highly-adaptable. High acid even when very ripe, typically high alcohol, ageworthy, capable of also making very good sweet wines in vin santo style
Describe Moschofilero
Quality Greek variety producing similar fruit and floral aromas to Muscat, with high acid, light body, and low alcohol. Pink-skinned and wines may have pink tinge
Describe Malagousia
Recently revitalized variety with a growing reputation in Greece for high quality whites. Plantings are small but growing rapidly. Med acid, med body, complex stone fruit and floral aromas, herbal in cool areas
Describe Agiorgitiko
Most planted black variety in Greece, producing a range of styles from light and fruity to full-bodied and ageworthy, typically aged in oak with a portion new. Best quality found in PDO Nemea
Describe Xinomavro
Greece’s most prized black variety, grown throughout but most famously in Naoussa in Macedonia. Compares to Nebbiolo; ery structured when young but can age for decades, turning a garnet hue and developing highly complex aromas
Describe traditional Greek winemaking
Crush by foot, fermentation in old oak or chestnut cask, then rested for a few months, drawn off, and consumed
What modernizing changes have been made to Greek winemaking since they joined the EU?
Modern presses, temperature control, stainless steel fermentation vessels, and use of barrique
Examples of traditional or experimental techniques used by modern Greek producers
Natural yeast, shorter extractions, amphorae maturation, and extended lees contact
What techniques led to Retsina’s development?
Use of pine resin to seal amphorae, then used as an additive for flavor
When did Retsina become popular?
In the 1960s, as tourism became a major Greek industry (post World Wars)
Why does Retsina have a reputation for poor quality?
Base wines were made cheaply and badly, and resin was used to try and mask poor uality (or even faulty) base wine0
