Greece

Question 1

Describe the general climate and landscape of Greece.

Answer 1

Mediterranean and very mountainous with a few flatter areas, and influence from the sea

Question 2

What is the biggest climatic (growing) factor for vineyards on Greece’s islands?

Answer 2

Very strong onshore winds that can stop photosynthesis, disrupt flowering/berry set, delay ripening, destroy vines, increase water stress

Question 3

What is the grape growing sector like in Greece?

Answer 3

Vyd holdings are extremely small; most sell grapes to larger producers/coops

Question 4

Why is Greece such an ideal place for organic and biodynamic viticulture?

Answer 4

Its hot, dry conditions

Question 5

Indigenous grape varieties account for ___% of plantings in Greece

Answer 5

90%

Question 6

What is one way Greek producers have helped introduce indigenous varieties to the international market?

Answer 6

Blending indigenous varieties with international ones (Sauvignon blanc + Assyrtiko, Merlot + Xinomavro)

Question 7

What is the most planted grape variety in Greece, and what is it mainly used for?

Answer 7

Savatiano, Retsina production

Question 8

Describe Assyrtiko

Answer 8

High acid, high alcohol, ages well, can grow anywhere, makes a wide variety of styles

Question 9

What is Greece’s most planted black variety? Describe it

Answer 9

Agiorgitiko

Versatile in wine styles, medium acidity, medium alcohol, medium to high tannins

Question 10

What well known grape is Xinomavro often likened to?

Answer 10

Nebbiolo

Question 11

Have production levels risen or fallen in Greece recently?

Answer 11

Fallen

Question 12

What quality indication does Retsina fall under in Greece?

Answer 12

Wine of Appellation by tradition (OKP)

Question 13

Where is retsina produced?

Answer 13

Throughout Greece but most comes from the hot central plains

Question 14

What are the three levels within Greece’s appellation system, and how much wine is produced in each category?

Answer 14

POP (PDO) 20%
PGE (PGI) 63%
Wines from Greece 18%

Question 15

What are Macedonia’s two leading PDOs, and what kind of wine do they make?

Answer 15

Naoussa
Amynteo
Only 100% Xinomavro

Question 16

Where is the Peleponnese located?

Answer 16

It’s the peninsula that forms the southern part of the Greek mainland

Question 17

Where is Nemea located? What kind of wine is made there?

Answer 17

On the Peloponnese peninsula, close to the Corinth Canal; only red wines made from 100% Agiorgitiko

Question 18

What is the Peloponnese’s most important grape?

Answer 18

Moschofilero, followed by Roditis

Question 19

How many sub zones does Nemea have, and which is considered the highest quality?

Answer 19

3 sub zones, lowest, middle and highest (in altitude); middle zone is best for quality wines

Question 20

What kind of wines is the Mantinia PDO for?

Answer 20

White wines only. Only Moschofilero (min 85%)

Question 21

What makes viticulture on the Aegean islands difficult?

Answer 21

Low rainfall
Rocky soils with poor water retention
Strong winds

Question 22

What do vines on Santorini rely on to get moisture?

Answer 22

Fog from the caldera that rises and gets trapped by the bush vines

Question 23

What is the name of Santorini’s dessert wine? What is it made from?

Answer 23

Vinsanto; minimum 51% Assyrtiko

Late harvest, sun-dried grapes

Question 24

What are the two largest producers in Greece?

Answer 24

Greek Wine Cellars

Boutaris Group

Question 25

What is the current trend in Greece regarding small vs large producers?

Answer 25

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