Greece Flashcards
what are the three grape varieties that have received the most recognition from Greece and their regions?
Xinomavro - Naoussa
Agiorgitiko - Nemea
Assyrtiko - Santorini
what kind of climate does Greece have overall?
hot mediterranean. in the summers temp can reach 30C although coastal areas moderated by the sea.
what happens to unprotected vineyards in the islands south east of the mainland?
altitude and winds can destroy them, but also have a cooling effect
where are most of the best vineyards found in Greece?
in the cooler areas
explain rainfall in Greece
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.
where is drought a particular concern in Greece?
on the east side which lies in the rain shadow of the mountains and limited irrigation
how many grape varieties are native to Greece
nearly 200 - very few grown elsewhere
Where is Naoussa PDO?
nothern Greece in the region of Macedonia
Describe vineyards from Macedonia
altitudes up to 400 m and noticeably cooler than surrounding area.
WHat type of wine is made in Macedonia?
exclusively red wines from Xinomavro grapes - A variety compared to Nebbiolo.
Describe characteristics of Xinomavro?
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
Where is Nemea PDO?
in the north of Peloponnese close to the narrow strip of land that joins the pennisula to the rest of the mainland
what type of wine is made in Nemea?
exclusively red wines from Agiogitiko
Where are the vineyards in Nemea?
spread over a range of altitudes from 230-900m. but best fruits come from the middle of these
Describe wines from hotter lower slopes of Nemea?
can be overly jammy and tends to be made into fruity wines for early consumption
describe wines from higher slopes of Nemea
higher acidity, less fine tannins, can add freshness to a red blend but best suited for a rose
describe best wines from Nemea
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.
Where is Santorini PDO located?
it is a windswept volcanic island in teh Aegean Sea
What type of training in needed in Santorinin and why?
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.
What type of wine does the Santorini PDO have?
red and white wines made in dry and sweet styles. but the highest reputation comes from the white wines made from Assyrtiko
Describe a dry wine from ASsyrtiko
displays perfume aromas, and concentrated flavors of citrus, and stone fruit balanced with natural high acidity
Describe a sweet wine from ASsyrtiko
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
what are the two catergories Greece uses for wine laws?
PDO and PGI
