Greece

Question 1

what are the three grape varieties that have received the most recognition from Greece and their regions?

Answer 1

Xinomavro - Naoussa
Agiorgitiko - Nemea
Assyrtiko - Santorini

Question 2

what kind of climate does Greece have overall?

Answer 2

hot mediterranean. in the summers temp can reach 30C although coastal areas moderated by the sea.

Question 3

what happens to unprotected vineyards in the islands south east of the mainland?

Answer 3

altitude and winds can destroy them, but also have a cooling effect

Question 4

where are most of the best vineyards found in Greece?

Answer 4

in the cooler areas

Question 5

explain rainfall in Greece

Answer 5

can vary, but even in the wetter areas to the west the almost complete lack of rain during the growing season can cause water stress.

Question 6

where is drought a particular concern in Greece?

Answer 6

on the east side which lies in the rain shadow of the mountains and limited irrigation

Question 7

how many grape varieties are native to Greece

Answer 7

nearly 200 - very few grown elsewhere

Question 8

Where is Naoussa PDO?

Answer 8

nothern Greece in the region of Macedonia

Question 9

Describe vineyards from Macedonia

Answer 9

altitudes up to 400 m and noticeably cooler than surrounding area.

Question 10

WHat type of wine is made in Macedonia?

Answer 10

exclusively red wines from Xinomavro grapes - A variety compared to Nebbiolo.

Question 11

Describe characteristics of Xinomavro?

Answer 11

high levels of tannins, and acidity, and tend to have med color that fades quickly to tawny. they lack fruit finish aromas even in youth. however they can be long lived and develop in the bottle spiced flavors and earth flavors. some aged in new oak

Question 12

Where is Nemea PDO?

Answer 12

in the north of Peloponnese close to the narrow strip of land that joins the pennisula to the rest of the mainland

Question 13

what type of wine is made in Nemea?

Answer 13

exclusively red wines from Agiogitiko

Question 14

Where are the vineyards in Nemea?

Answer 14

spread over a range of altitudes from 230-900m. but best fruits come from the middle of these

Question 15

Describe wines from hotter lower slopes of Nemea?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

describe wines from higher slopes of Nemea

Answer 16

higher acidity, less fine tannins, can add freshness to a red blend but best suited for a rose

Question 17

describe best wines from Nemea

Answer 17

deep ruby color, high levels of smooth tannins, low to moderate acidity, and sweet spice and red fruit flavors. have great affinity for new oak and age well.

Question 18

Where is Santorini PDO located?

Answer 18

it is a windswept volcanic island in teh Aegean Sea

Question 19

What type of training in needed in Santorinin and why?

Answer 19

due to winds being so strong that a unique method of training is needed. permenant wood is trained very low into a basket shape and the fruit grows inside.

Question 20

What type of wine does the Santorini PDO have?

Answer 20

red and white wines made in dry and sweet styles. but the highest reputation comes from the white wines made from Assyrtiko

Question 21

Describe a dry wine from ASsyrtiko

Answer 21

displays perfume aromas, and concentrated flavors of citrus, and stone fruit balanced with natural high acidity

Question 22

Describe a sweet wine from ASsyrtiko

Answer 22

known as Vinsanto made from late harvested grapes which are sun dried up to 14 days. wines then aged in old oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years although many are aged longer. luscious sweetness is balanced with high acidity and the older wines show a marked oxidation character of carmel and nuts

Question 23

what are the two catergories Greece uses for wine laws?

Answer 23

PDO and PGI