Greece Flashcards
When and where did vine cultivation begin in Greece?
Around 2500 BCE in the Minoan Bronze Age Civilization of Crete
Who cultivated vines in Greece after the Minoans?
The Myceneans
Where were the first vineyards in France?
Massalia, a Greek colony at modern-day Marseilles
Which modern Italian varieties may be Greek in origin?
Greco and Aglianico
What is retsina?
Aromatized wine flavored with pine resin
How did retsina get its start?
In ancient times, wine was shipped in amphorae, sealed with pine resin. People became accustomed to the flavor.
What grape is used to make modern-day retsina?
Savvatiano
Can Retsina carry a vintage?
No
Is Retsina a PDO?
No, but it is protected by the EU as a PGI.
What is the negative stemming from Retsina, as it pertains to worldview of Greek Wine?
It is ultimately negative, people associate low-quality Retsina with all of Greek wine
What are the two larger producers dominating Greek wine industry today?
Boutari and Tsantali
How many indigenous varietals exist in Greece?
Over 300!
When did Greece first implement wine law?
In 1969 & 1970, with most appellations created in 1971
What is Greece’s governing wine body?
The Greek Wine Institute
What are some factors of Greek Wine Law?
They conform to EU standards and follow the French model
What is the main designation for high-quality Greek wine? How is it broken down?
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin); broken down into Controlled Appellation of Origin (AOC) for sweet wines, and Appellation of Superior Quality (AOSQ)
Do AOC or AOSQ appear on labels?
No, they all say “PDO Wines of Greece”
What does “Reserve” mean in Greece?
Min 1 year aging for whites, 6 months in barrel and 3 months in bottle. Min 2 years for reds, at least 1 year in barrel and 6 months in bottle.
What is “Grand Reserve?”
Whites: 2 years, 1 year in barrel & 6 months in bottle
Reds: 4 years, 18 months in both barrel and bottle
What other designations exist for Greece besides PDO?
PGI, “varietal” wines, and “table” wines
Which wines fall under the PGI category?
Retsina, Verdea, and wines of Greece’s former “vine de pays” category, Topikos Inos.
How are PGI zones divided?
Regional, District and Area levels
What do PGI Districts correspond to?
The peripheral units of Greece, form of political state that replaced prefectures in 2010
What does “Cava” mean on a label?
Indicates 1 year aging for PGI whites (6mo. in oak), 3 years for reds (1 year in oak)