Greece Flashcards
Describe the general climate and landscape of Greece.
Mediterranean and very mountainous with a few flatter areas, and influence from the sea
What is the biggest climatic (growing) factor for vineyards on Greece’s islands?
Very strong onshore winds that can stop photosynthesis, disrupt flowering/berry set, delay ripening, destroy vines, increase water stress
What is the grape growing sector like in Greece?
Vyd holdings are extremely small; most sell grapes to larger producers/coops
Why is Greece such an ideal place for organic and biodynamic viticulture?
Its hot, dry conditions
Indigenous grape varieties account for ___% of plantings in Greece
90%
What is one way Greek producers have helped introduce indigenous varieties to the international market?
Blending indigenous varieties with international ones (Sauvignon blanc + Assyrtiko, Merlot + Xinomavro)
What is the most planted grape variety in Greece, and what is it mainly used for?
Savatiano, Retsina production
Describe Assyrtiko
High acid, high alcohol, ages well, can grow anywhere, makes a wide variety of styles
What is Greece’s most planted black variety? Describe it
Agiorgitiko
Versatile in wine styles, medium acidity, medium alcohol, medium to high tannins
What well known grape is Xinomavro often likened to?
Nebbiolo
Have production levels risen or fallen in Greece recently?
Fallen
What quality indication does Retsina fall under in Greece?
Wine of Appellation by tradition (OKP)
Where is retsina produced?
Throughout Greece but most comes from the hot central plains
What are the three levels within Greece’s appellation system, and how much wine is produced in each category?
POP (PDO) 20%
PGE (PGI) 63%
Wines from Greece 18%
What are Macedonia’s two leading PDOs, and what kind of wine do they make?
Naoussa
Amynteo
Only 100% Xinomavro
Where is the Peleponnese located?
It’s the peninsula that forms the southern part of the Greek mainland
Where is Nemea located? What kind of wine is made there?
On the Peloponnese peninsula, close to the Corinth Canal; only red wines made from 100% Agiorgitiko
What is the Peloponnese’s most important grape?
Moschofilero, followed by Roditis
How many sub zones does Nemea have, and which is considered the highest quality?
3 sub zones, lowest, middle and highest (in altitude); middle zone is best for quality wines
What kind of wines is the Mantinia PDO for?
White wines only. Only Moschofilero (min 85%)
What makes viticulture on the Aegean islands difficult?
Low rainfall
Rocky soils with poor water retention
Strong winds
What do vines on Santorini rely on to get moisture?
Fog from the caldera that rises and gets trapped by the bush vines
What is the name of Santorini’s dessert wine? What is it made from?
Vinsanto; minimum 51% Assyrtiko
Late harvest, sun-dried grapes
What are the two largest producers in Greece?
Greek Wine Cellars
Boutaris Group
What is the current trend in Greece regarding small vs large producers?
Most wineries are very small and sell their wine locally or in bulk to larger producers; trend is for small wineries marketing/selling own wine
