Greece Flashcards
1
Q
Winemaking making in Greece dates back how many years?
A
At least 5000
2
Q
Summarise the history of Greek winemaking.
A
- Greek advancements in wine were notable during the Golden Age (500–300 BCE) spreading throughout the mediterranean.
- Wine production declined after Greece became apart of the Roman Empire
- Industry faced further struggles during the formation of the modern greek state, wars and phylloxera the 19th century.
- Latter half of 20th century, production increased, especially for domestic consumption.
- GFO of 2008 led producers to seek export opportunities.
3
Q
Latitude of Greek vineyards?
A
Between 34° and 42°N
4
Q
Overall climate of Greece?
A
The climate is predominantly Mediterranean with long, hot summers (typically over 30°C/86°F, sometimes reaching 45°C/113°F) and short, mild winters
5
Q
Climate of in-land Greece?
A
Inland regions have a more continental climate with hotter summers and winter temperatures that can drop below freezing.
6
Q
Which Greek wine regions are more likely to experience from Spring frost?
A
Spring frost is a risk in northern areas such as Amyndeon.
7
Q
What is the most significant climactic hazard for viticulture in the Greek Islands?
A
Strong, onshore winds on islands like Santorini can halt photosynthesis, disrupt flowering and berry-set, delay ripening, damage unprotected vines, contribute to dryness, and increase water stress.
8
Q
Rainfall in Greek wine regions?
A
Santorini is exceptionally dry.
Other wine-producing areas average between 400 and 700 mm.
Minimal rain during the growing season, except in the mountainous north and west.
Water stress common
9
Q
Soils of Greece?
A
Greece has diverse soils for vineyards, ranging from limestone to volcanic.
Farmers allow more fertile areas for other crops, and poorer soils for vines.
10
Q
Land under vine in Greece?
A
In 2021, Greece had 109,000 ha of vineyards, with 64,900 ha producing wine grapes.
11
Q
What is the average vineyard size in Greece?
A
Vineyards are small, averaging over 0.5 ha, and many growers sell their grapes to larger producers or co-operatives, or produce small volumes for local sale.
12
Q
How are vines typically trained in Greece?
A
The majority of vineyards are trellised; usually vines are cordon-trained with VSP. In some
places, specific trellis and pruning systems have been developed over the centuries to suit
local conditions, in particular in Santorini to cope with the high winds and very low rainfall.
13
Q
How much do indigenous grape varieties account for in Greece’s total area under vine?
A
Indigenous grape varieties make up about 90% of plantings, roughly 300 varieties, with around 60 grown significantly.
Local varieties tolerate drought better than international ones.
14
Q
Why is the amount of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards and producers increasing in Greece?
A
Greece’s hot, dry climate suits organic and biodynamic viticulture, with many growers using organic practices for centuries
15
Q
What are the five most important white grape varieties of Greece?
A
Roditis
Savatiano
Assyrtiko
Moschofilero
Malagousia
16
Q
What are the two most important red grape varieties of Greece?
A
Agiorgitiko
Xinomavro
17
Q
Where is Roditis most commonly planted?
A
Throughout Greece
Peloponnese
18
Q
Characteristics of Roditis?
A
Pink skinned, high yields, medium bodied, high acidity, melon flavors
19
Q
What styles is Roditis typically used for?
A
Inexpensive wine, blending ingredient for Retsina
20
Q
Characteristics of Savatiano?
A
Drought resistant, subtle aromas of citrus, pear, stone fruit, nutty character
21
Q
Where is Savatiano typically planted?
A
Central Greece
22
Q
What styles is Savatiano typically used for?
A
Inexpensive wine, common ingredient in Retsina
23
Q
Characteristics of Assyrtiko?
A
High acidity, citrus, stone and tropical fruit, smoky or flint characteristic
24
Q
Where is Assyrtiko typically planted?
A
Santorini, mainland Greece
25
What styles is Assyrtiko typically used for?
Dry wines, sweet wines like Vinsanto
26
Characteristics of Moschofilero?
Aromatic, notes of citrus, flowers, spices, high acid, light-bodied
27
Where is Moschofilero typically planted?
Mantinia in the Peloponnese
28
In what style is Moschofilero typically made?
The wines are high in acid, light-bodied and relatively low in alcohol (around 12% abv). It is pink-skinned and many wines have a pink tinge; some producers make a rosé using extended skin contact.
29
Characteristics of Malagousia?
Complex aromas of stone fruit and flowers, medium acidity and body.
Grapes grown in cooler sites or picked early can have a herbal or herbaceous note.
30
Where is Malagousia planted?
Most of Greece
31
How are wines from Malagousia typically made?
Fermented in stainless steel, old oak, or new oak
32
Characteristics of Agiorgitiko?
Medium acidity, medium to high tannins, medium alcohol, ripe red fruit, sweet spices
33
Where is Agiorgitiko planted?
PDO Nemea, Peloponnese
34
What styles of wine are made from Agiorgitiko?
Lighter fruity style, full-bodied age worthy style, high quality rosés, sweet wines
35
Characteristics of Xinomavro?
In their youth, the wines can have unpleasantly high levels of acidity and grippy tannins with aromas that are more vegetal than fruity. The wines are pale-coloured and turn garnet rapidly.
36
Where is Xinomavro mostly planted?
Naoussa in northern Macedonia
37
Describe the traditional winemaking practices of Greece.
Traditionally, grapes were crushed by foot and fermented in old casks, primarily made of oak or chestnut. These casks would then be sealed, allowing the wine to mature for several months before being drawn off and consumed.
38
When did Greece enter the EU?
1981
39
How did the accession to the EU influence Greek winemaking?
Traditional practices became less common. Virtually all wineries now employ modern presses, temperature control systems, and stainless-steel vessels for fermentation
40
Is the use of oak common-practice in Greece?
From the late 1980s onwards, there was a notable increase in the use of new oak barriques, initially for red wines and subsequently for whites. These barrels were predominantly constructed from French oak, although American oak was also utilised. While this practice remains prevalent, many producers are now seeking more subtle oak characteristics.
41
What traditional winemaking practices are some modern winemakers reverting back to in Greece?
Contemporary winemakers are revisiting some traditional practices, such as using naturally-occurring yeast, shorter extraction periods, and maturing their wines in amphorae akin to those used by the Ancient Greeks.
42
What experimental techniques are some producers using in Greece?
Some producers are experimenting with techniques like lees contact for Assyrtiko and Malagousia.
43
What sweet wines are made in Greece?
Sweet wines, often made by sun-drying, are produced from both white and black grape varieties, with Muscat being one of the most widely employed
44
How did Retsina originate?
The use of pine resin to preserve wine dates back to Ancient Greece. It was originally
used to seal amphorae and then used as an additive, probably for flavouring purposes.
45
When did Retsina wines experience a surge in popularity?
Late 19th century
Again in 1960s, coinciding with tourism to Greece after the wars.
Led to production of many low quality wines where resin was used to conceal poor quality.
46
Where did retsina originate?
Retsina, which is produced throughout Greece, predominantly originates from the warm central plains.
47
What grape varieties are used for retsina?
It is crafted from various grape varieties, with Savatiano and Roditis being the most commonly utilized
48
How is retsina made in modern-day Greece?
* Resin is typically added to the must, contrasting with past practices where it was added to the wine.
* The wine is left on its lees for no more than a week post-fermentation, as opposed to the longer periods historically observed.
* These changes contribute to a more subtle and integrated pine resin character.
49
What are the legal requirements for Retsina?
* The quantity of resin that can be added is controlled.
* Specific parameters for the final product, such as minimum acidity levels and permitted alcohol levels, are mandated.
* Although Retsina does not conform to the standard European Union definition of wine because it is not made exclusively from grapes, it has been granted special status as a 'wine of appellation by tradition' (OKP in Greek).
50
What style of Retsina are increasingly being produced and improving the reputation for the category?
Premium bottlings, often made with Assyrtiko, are progressively enhancing the reputation of this unique wine style.
51
What is the the equivalent of PDO in Greece?
POP (Prostatevmeni Onomasia Proelefsis).
52
How many PDO/POPs are there across Greece?
33 designations across the country.
Accounts for around 8% of total production.
53
What is the the equivalent of PDI in Greece?
PGE (Prostatevmeni Geografiki Endiksi)
54
How many PGE/PGIs are there across Greece?
Features over 120 designations with new additions each year.
55
How much do PDO/POP wines account for of Greece's total wine production?
Around 8%
56
How much do PGE/PGI wines account for of all Greek production?
Accounts for around 17% of all Greek wine production
57
How much does the 'Wines of Greece' category account for of all Greek production?
Around 66%
58
What is the OKP category of Greece?
Wine of appellation by tradition
For example Retsina
59
How are PGI wines categorised in Greece?
PGI Regional: eg Macadonia PGI
PGI District: eg Drama, Kavala PGIs
PGI Area
60
What are the nine winemaking regions of Greece?
Thrace
Macedonia
Epirus
Thessalia
Central Greece (Sterea Ellada)
Peloponnese
Ionian Islands
Aegean Islands
Crete
61
Where is the region of Macedonia, Greece?
The Greek region of Macedonia is located along the northern border of the country.
62
Describe the broad topography of Macedonia.
It is a large region, offering a variety of conditions from the mountains in the north and west to the plains in the east.
63
What are the two climactic divisions of Macedonia?
The mountains in the north and west: the climate is continental; however, due to altitude, temperatures are relatively cool.
The plains in the east: warm mediterranean.
64
What is the average rainfall in Macadonia?
In the mountain region of the north and west, rain falls throughout the year (approximately 650–700 mm on average), making water supply less of an issue than elsewhere.
Rainshadow experience in the plains to the east.
65
Where are Macadonia's leading PDOs located?
In the mountains north west of Macadonia.
66
What are the four PDOs of Macadonia?
Amynteo PDO
Goumenissa PDO
Naoussa PDO
Slopes of Meliton PDO
67
Name two district PGIs of Macadonia producing good to very good quality wines.
Drama and Kavala.
68
What styles of wines are made in the eastern plains of Macadonia?
The fertile soils are suitable for producing higher-volume wines, but there are also some good to very good quality wines being produced in the PGIs of Drama and Kavala.
69
Which PDOs of Macadonia can produce only wines made from 100% Xinomavro?
Naoussa and Amynteo
70
Is Macadonia traditionally a red or white winemaking region?
Red
71
Key grape of Macadonia?
Xinomavro
72
What style of wine is the Drama Valley PGI of Macadonia known for?
High-quality, full-bodied, modern-style Bordeaux blends
White wines from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well as Assyrtiko and Malagousia.
73
Where is Drama PGI?
Drama is a PGI district located in the eastern plains of Macadonia, Greece.
74
Where is Kavala PGI?
Kavala is a PGI district located in the eastern plaints of Macadonia, Greece.
75
What of style of white wines are Kavala and Drama PGIs known for?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc at altitude and full-bodied ripe wines from popular Greek varieties such as Assyrtiko and Malagousia are notable in both Drama and Kavala.
76
Where is Naoussa PDO?
PDO Naoussa covers the southeastern slopes of Mount Vermio, northern Macadonia.
77
Describe the topography and climate of Naoussa PDO.
Vineyards planted between 150 and 400m. The best sites are sheltered from the strong, cold winds which can blow in from the north and west, but temperatures remain relatively cool.
78
What styles of wine are made in Naoussa PDO?
Wines must be made from 100% Xinomavro.
They tend to have high acidity and tannins, a great complexity of aromas, and the potential to age for decades. Most wines are mid-priced with a few premium examples, and range from good to outstanding in quality
79
Name two significant producers of Naoussa PDO.
Thymiopoulos Vineyards and Kir-Yianni.
80
Describe traditional and modern winemaking practices of Naoussa PDO.
* Traditionally, the wines were aged in large old wooden vessels, giving pronounced spicy and meaty rather than fruity aromas.
* In the 1990s, some producers started using new French oak barriques, giving even firmer tannins, more body, and oaky aromas, although many have now reverted to a more restrained style.
* Recently, a more modern style has emerged, using riper fruit and either cold soaking or whole-bunch fermentation to produce a deeper-coloured but less tannic wine.
81
Outside the PDO, what styles of wine are being made in Naoussa?
Good quality rosés and red blends of Xinomavro with Merlot
82
Where is Amynteo PDO?
PDO Amynteo is located on the opposite, northwestern side of Mount Vermio, Macadonia.
83
How do the vineyards of Amynteo PDO differ from Naoussa PDO?
The vineyards are higher than those in Naoussa, between 570 and 750m, and the northerly aspect means they are exposed to cold northerly winds, leading to cool summers and cold winters.
84
Amynteo PDO experiences a cool climate. What climactic factor moderates the temperatures?
Several lakes in the area. Without these, the cool conditions of the region would be more extreme.
85
What are the biggest climactic risks for Amynteo PDO?
Closer to the lakes, humidity is higher, increasing the risk of rot and the soil is more fertile, so care must be taken to control yields; otherwise, the grapes might not ripen. Spring frost can sometimes be a problem.
86
What styles of wine are made in Amynteo PDO?
PDO wines must be made from 100 percent Xinomavro, although unlike in Naoussa, rosé is permitted.
87
How does a wine from Xinomavro from Amynteo PDO differ from one from Naoussa PDO?
Due to cooler temperatures, Xinomavro from Amynteo is usually lighter in body and lower in tannins than from Naoussa, with the best having a distinctive floral quality.
88
Complete the sentence.
Areas of Amynteo PDO with _________ have remained phylloxera-free, meaning there are significant stocks of _________ giving more concentrated wines.
Sandy Soils
Old vines
89
Name a significant producer from Amynteo PDO.
Alpha Estate.
90
Amynteo and Naoussa are PDOs in which Greek wine region?
Macadonia.
91
What is the name of the mountain seperating Naoussa and Amynteo PDOs?
Mount Vermio
92
What are the seven PDOs of the Peloponnese in Greece?
Nemea PDO
Mantinia PDO
Patras PDO
Monemvasia-Malvasia PDO
Mavrodaphne of Patras PDO
Muscat of Patras PDO
Muscat of Rio Patras PDO
93
Where is the Peloponnese in Greece?
The Peloponnese is the peninsula forming the southern part of the Greek mainland
94
Which Greek wine region has the largest vineyard plantings?
The Peloponnese
95
How much of Greece's total vineyard plantings does the Peloponnese account for?
30% of the national total, despite many suitable vineyard sites being planted with grapes for drying.
96
Which Greek wine region has the most PDOs?
The Peloponnese
97
Describe the general topography and climate of the Peloponnese.
* It is a very mountainous region with poor, rocky soils.
* Temperatures are moderated by altitude.
* There is only a small area of flatter land, including the plains around Patra, where conditions are hotter and the soil is more fertile.
* The prevailing westerly winds bring rain from the sea but, due to the mountains, rainfall levels drop further east across the peninsula.
98
What are the key grape varieties of the Peloponnese?
Agiorghitiko, Moschofilero, Roditis
99
Where is Nemea PDO?
The Peloponnese
Nemea is located near the Corinth Canal, which separates the peninsula from the rest of mainland Greece.
100
What style of wine is made in Nemea PDO?
The PDO is only for red wines made from 100 percent Agiorgitiko. Both dry and sweet versions are permitted, although sweet wines are rare.
101
Briefly describe the winemaking styles of Nemea PDO.
In the 1990s, there was an increase in the use of new French barriques; however, more subtle use of oak is now returning. Also, a new style has emerged, produced using semi-carbonic maceration to enhance fruity flavors and reduce tannin levels.
102
Name two significant producers of Nemea PDO.
Gaia Wines and Tselepos
103
What quality of wine is produced in Nemea PDO?
The wines range from acceptable and good quality inexpensive wines to very good and outstanding age-worthy wines that can command premium or even super-premium prices
104
Describe the climate of Nemea PDO.
The climate is Mediterranean. Most rain falls in autumn and winter, but the amount can vary significantly year on year (as low as 400 mm and as high as 900 mm), impacting yields and quality of wines from certain areas from one year to the next. Autumn rain can sometimes dictate harvest times.
105
How is Nemea PDO typically divided?
Nemea is typically divided into three distinct zones by reference to altitude.
106
Describe the mesoclimate and topography of the lower zone, Nemea PDO?
The lowest zone on the valley floor between 230 and 400m is the hottest (summer temperatures can reach 40°C) and has the most fertile soil.
107
What styles of wine are made in the lower zone, Nemea?
Grapes ripen easily and are usually reserved for inexpensive wines but are also used for high-quality sweet wines.
108
Describe the mesoclimate and topography of the middle zone, Nemea.
Between 450 and 650 m.
Poor, free-draining soils, and cooler days.
Range of microclimates caused by different altitudes and aspects and specific soil types
109
Why is the middle zone, Nemea PDO, considered the best for quality wines?
Poor, free-draining soils naturally limit yields, and the cooler days slow sugar accumulation while flavors and tannins ripen
110
Describe the mesoclimate and topography of Nemea's highest zone.
650–1,000m in altitude.
Cool temperatures and cool, clay soils.
Agiorgitiko can struggle to ripen fully
111
What styles of wine is made in Nemea's highest zone?
The fresh red fruit flavours, high acidity, and potentially harsh tannins have meant that grapes from here have mainly been used for rosé production, which is outside the PDO system. However, producers are starting to explore this zone’s potential to produce fresher styles of red wine with higher acidity.
112
Where is Mantinia PDO?
The Peloponnese
To the south and west of Nemea, PDO Mantinia occupies a plateau with elevations starting at 600m.
113
Climate of Mantinia?
Despite its southerly latitude, the altitude makes this one of the coolest grape-growing areas in Greece. It also has one of the longest growing seasons, with the harvest usually starting in October and sometimes even in November. In the coldest years, grapes do not reach full ripeness.
114
What wines are made in Mantinia PDO?
This is a PDO for white wines only. Moschofilero must make up at least 85 percent of the blend, although many of the highest quality wines are made from 100 percent Moschofilero
115
Describe a wine from Mantina PDO.
The relatively low temperatures give wines with high acidity, low to medium alcohol, medium (-) to medium body, and floral and slightly spicy aromas. The wines are fermented in stainless steel to retain their freshness and tend to be drunk when young. The wines are usually mid-priced and good to very good in quality.
116
Name two significant producers of Mantinia PDO.
Boutari and Seméli Estate.
117
Soils of Mantina PDO.
Here, the soils are rich in clay and rocky, tinged lightly red with iron in many places
118
What does the term Asproudes refer to in Greece?
The generic term for indigenous white grapes
119
Achaia is a PGI of which Greek wine region?
The Peloponnese
120
What are the four PDOs within Achaia PGI in the Peloponnese?
Patras, Muscat of Patras, Muscat of Rio Patras, and Mavrodaphne of Patras
121
Where is Patras PDO?
Styles of wine produced?
Achaia PGI, The Peloponnese
Dry-semi sweet wines made from Roditis
122
Why is viticulture considered difficult on Islands in the Aegean Sea, Greece?
The Aegean is known for its strong winds, and many of the islands have very low rainfall and rocky soils with poor water retention.
123
Why are the amount of producers and vineyard area decreasing in the Greek Islands?
Viticulture is difficult and expensive, and many growers have been unable to resist the lucrative opportunity to sell their land for tourist developments.
124
What are the eight PDOs of the Aegean Islands?
Santorini PDO
Paros PDO
Rhodes PDO
Lemnos PDO
Samos PDO
Muscat of Rhodes PDO
Muscat of Lemnos PDO
Malvasia Paros PDO
125
What is the key grape variety of Santorini PDO?
Assyrtiko
126
What makes Santorini's topography unique?
The island lies on a volcano; during its last major eruption in 1500 BCE, much of the island collapsed, leaving a central submerged crater (known as a caldera). Today, the island consists only of the eastern rim of the original volcano, and there have been numerous smaller eruptions since, most recently in 1950.
127
Describe the unique vine training system of Santorini.
To provide shelter from the wind, vines have traditionally been trained low to the ground in a basket shape, usually 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.
128
How much labour does Santorini's 'basket' training system require?
This is specialized work and requires about four times the labor of conventional trellis systems.
129
Describe the mesoclimate of Santorini.
* Very low rainfall, the growing season can be completely dry.
* Normally, the only moisture comes from the fog that rises from the caldera every morning.
130
Why is the traditional basket training system of Santorini suitable for the climate?
* Protects from the strong winds.
* Retains the moisture from the fog that rises from the caldera every morning.
131
Typical vine densities of Santorini PDO?
To cope with the very limited amounts of water available, vine densities are very low—less than 2,500 vines per hectare.
132
Some vines and trunks on Santorini PDO have been found to be over 400 years old. How is this possible?
Phylloxera has not been a problem on the island.
133
What are the max. permitted yields of Santorini PDO.
60hL/ha
In practice, yields are much lower. Sometimes as low as 15hL/ha for the oldest vines.
134
Why are low vigour and low-yielding vines experienced in Santorini?
The volcanic soil is very infertile and, along with low rainfall, contributes to low vigor and low-yielding vines.
135
What are the assemblage requirements for Santorini PDO?
The PDO is for white wines only, both dry and sweet. The dry wines must contain at least 75 percent Assyrtiko, whereas the sweet wines must contain at least 51 percent Assyrtiko. However, many of the best are single varietals.
136
Describe a dry wine from Santorini.
The dry wines usually have high levels of acidity, medium to high alcohol, and a distinctive smoky characteristic, alongside Assyrtiko’s fruit aromas. The highest quality wines can age for around a decade in bottle, developing a honey, toasty character.
137
Describe the typical winemaking practices of Santorini.
Most Assyrtiko is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel or other neutral vessels to retain fruit flavors. Producers are increasingly experimenting with oak aging and lees contact to give more body and complexity
138
What quality levels of wine are produced in Santorini?
Santorini’s dry Assyrtikos tend to be good to outstanding in quality and mid to premium priced.
Vinsanto wines are often of very good or outstanding quality.
139
What is Vinsanto in Santorini?
Vinsanto (note the difference from the Tuscan Vin Santo) is made from late-harvested grapes dried in the sun.
140
How are Vinsanto wines made in Santorini?
Vinsanto is made from late-harvested grapes dried in the sun for up to two weeks.
Wines must be aged for at least two years in oak before release, with many producers aging it longer, often in larger casks that are not fully filled to encourage oxidation.
141
Describe a Vinsanto from Santorini.
The wines often have flavors of raisins, coffee, and chocolate. High sugar levels (usually 200–300 g/L) are balanced by Assyrtiko’s naturally high acidity, and the wines are often of very good or outstanding quality.
142
Name two significant of Santorini PDO.
Estate Argyros and Domaine Sigalas
143
Why are the wines of Santorini so expensive?
Due to the limited production quantities, Vinsanto can command super-premium prices. However, the prices for dry wines have increased noticeably in recent years, partly due to increasing demand but also because of the high production costs
144
How much wine is produced in Greece?
Wine production in Greece has declined from 3.5m hL in 1990 to an average of 2.4m hL annually between 2017-2021
145
Name two larger producers that purchase from growers in Greece.
Greek Wine Cellars and Boutaris Group
146
How many growers are there in Greece?
The country has around 7,000 grape growers, most owning small plots and selling grapes to larger producers
147
How many wineries are there in Greece?
While over 1,000 wineries exist, many are small and sell locally or in bulk, though there has been a rise in small wineries marketing their own wines in recent years.
148
When were cooperatives introduced in Greece?
The 1920s to revitalise the industry
149
Give an example of a co-op in Greece with a reputation for high-quality sweet wines.
Samos
150
Samos is a co-op in Greece with a reputation for the production of what style of wine?
High quality sweet wines
151
Outline the export market of Greek wine.
In 2021, 11% of Greek wine was exported, primarily to Germany, USA, and Canada, which have favored higher-quality wines due to economic factors making Greek wines competitively priced.
152
Name the main challenges of exporting Greek wine.
* A key challenge remains introducing consumers to unfamiliar indigenous grape varieties, though successful exports like Assyrtiko show progress.
* Language barriers have led export-focused producers to use Latin alphabet labels and familiar terms like PDO and PGI.
