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Wine Diploma > Greece > Flashcards

Greece Flashcards

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1
Q

The height of Greek wine culture was during the Golden Age - when was this, and where did Greek culture spread to?

A

500 - 300BCE

The Greek Empire spread around much of the Mediterranean, spreading their wines and culture

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2
Q

In the Golden Age, what did Greeks do to wines to prevent oxidation and mask off flavours?

A

They added honey, herbs, spices, flowers and oils

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3
Q

What happened to Greece’s wine exports when the country became part of the Roman Empire in 2BCE?

A

They declined - exports were prevented and the Romans began introducing wines from elsewhere

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4
Q

What happened in 1830 in Greece?

A

The modern Greek state was established after the revolution in 1821. Retreating Ottomans destroyed most of the agricultural land

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5
Q

What happened in 1898 in Greece?

A

Phylloxera first appeared in Macedonia, destroying the remaining vineyards

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6
Q

In the early 20th Century, which wars prevented the recovery of the Greek wine industry?

A

2 Balkan wars, 2 world wars and the Greek Civil War

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7
Q

As a wine making country, how was Greece perceived in the early 20th Century?

A

Greece was seen as a source of cheap, poorly made wine

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8
Q

What type of businesses were mainly making wine in Greece in the early 20th Century?

A

Large businesses and co-ops

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9
Q

Describe the change that happened in Greek wine making in the 1980s.

A

There was a rapid rise in small, quality minded producers, leading to a modern Greek culture of quality estate made wines

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10
Q

How did the 2008 financial crash affect the Greek wine industry?

A

There was a drop in consumption which forced producers to look at export markets, leading to an increase in exports over the last decade

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11
Q

How many hectares of land in Greece were under vine in 2017?

A

106,000 ha

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12
Q

In general, what climate can you expect from Greece?

A

Mediterranean: summers are long and hot, winters are short and mild

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13
Q

Between which latitudes would you find the grape growing regions of Greece?

A

34 - 42 degrees north

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14
Q

Greek islands may experience a lot of wind: how does wind negatively impact the vine?

A

Can affect flowering and fruit set
Can cause water stress
Can negatively impact photosynthesis
Can cause physical damage to the plant

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15
Q

What is Greece’s average rainfall? Is the drying season generally dry or wet?

A

400-700mm per annum (although areas like Santorini are a lot dryer)

Growing season is generally dry

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16
Q

What size is the average vineyard holding?

A

0.5ha - very small

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17
Q

Vineyards in Greece are generally worked by hand - why?

A

Small in size and the terrain can be tricky

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18
Q

What trellising system is used in the vast majority of Greek vineyards?

A

VSP cordon training

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19
Q

Is irrigation permitted in Greece?

A

Yes - although it is mainly used for international varieties as local varieties are more drought resistant.

Drip is almost exclusively used

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20
Q

What percentage of planted vines in Greek are indigenous?

A

90%

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21
Q

Why were international plantings introduced in the 1980s?

A

There was demand from the domestic market

There were concerns that foreign markets would not buy unknown grape varieties

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22
Q

What are the positives of the Savatiano vine?

A

Drought resistant

Rising reputation due to dry farmed bush vines

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23
Q

Name the grape variety from its key characteristics:

Most planted grape in Greece
Very drought resistant
Used to produce inexpensive wines
Commonly used in Retsina
Rising reputation due to dry farmed bush vines
Better examples have aromas of citrus, pear and stone fruit
Can become nutty with age

A

Savatiano

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24
Q

Give a typical tasting note for Roditis

A

Melon and ripe fruit aromas
High acidity
Medium body

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25
Q

Name the grape variety from its key characteristics:

The second most planted grape in Greece
Pink skinned
High yielding
Used to produce inexpensive wines
Commonly used in Retsina
Higher quality wines can be made at altitude
Medium body 
High acidity 
Ripe fruit flavours of melon
A

Roditis

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26
Q

Give a typical tasting note for Assyrtiko

A

Citrus, stone and tropical fruit with a flinty, smoky character
High acidity
Some wines may be oak aged for complexity

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27
Q

Name the grape variety from its key characteristics:

Originally from Santorini, although now widely planted
Retains high levels of acidity even in hot conditions
Also used to make sweet Vinsanto wines
Dry wines show citrus, stone and tropical fruit with a flinty, smoky character
Some wines may be oak aged for complexity

A

Assyrtiko

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28
Q

Give a typical tasting note for Moschofilero

A

Aromatic: citrus, flowers (rose) and spices
High acidity
Light body
Medium alcohol

Can be compared to Muscat
Quality wines

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29
Q

Name the grape variety from its key characteristics:

Produces quality aromatic wines with notes of citrus, flowers (rose) and spices
Can be compared to Muscat
Wines are high in acid but light in body
Pink skinned
Mainly planted in Mantinia in the Peloponnese

A

Moschofilero

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30
Q

Give a typical tasting note for Malagousia

A

Pronounced intensity
Stone fruit and flowers - cooler give herbal / herbaceous note
Medium acidity
Medium body

Can be fermented in neutral vessels or oak

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31
Q

Name the grape variety from its key characteristics:

Grown in most areas of Greece
Reputation for high quality
Plantings are increasing
Wines have medium acidity and medium body
Intense aromas of stone fruit and flowers
Grapes from cooler sites can give a herbal or herbaceous note
Can be fermented in neutral vessels or oak

A

Malagousia

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32
Q

Give a typical tasting note for Agiorgitiko

A 
Aromas of ripe red fruit and sweet spices (can be jammy)
Deep colour
Medium acidity
Medium to high levels of soft tannins
Medium alcohol

Often aged in oak, some new

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33
Q

Name the grape variety from its key characteristics:

Mainly planted in the Peloponnese
Some of the best examples are from Nemea
Most planted black grape in Greece
Wines range from light and fruity to more complex, full-bodied reds
Can be used to make rose and sweet wines
Red wines are deeply coloured with medium acidity
Medium to high levels of soft tannins and medium alcohol
Aromas of ripe red fruit and sweet spices
Often aged in oak, some new

A

Agiorgitiko

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34
Q

Give a typical tasting note for Xinomavro

A

Red fruit flavours, develop complex aromas of flowers, herbs, leather, spice and earthiness
Pale ruby - quickly turn garnet
High acidity
High levels of grippy tannins

Wines benefit from long ageing to soften them

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35
Q

Name the grape variety from its key characteristics:

The best examples are from Naoussa in Northern Macedonia
High acidity and high levels of grippy tannins in youth mean the wines benefit from long ageing
Wines are pale and quickly turn garnet
Can develop complex aromas of flowers, herbs, leather, spice and earthiness
Using riper grapes and less extraction, some producers make fruitier wines with softer tannins
Sometimes blended with Merlot to soften it out

A

Xinomavro

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36
Q

Has wine production increased or decreased from the 1990s?

A

Decreased

In 2017, 2.6 million HL of wine were produced compared with 3.5 million HL in 1990

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37
Q

Compared with the 1990s, is use of new oak in winemaking more prominent or more restrained?

A

More restrained

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38
Q

Explain how Retsina is made in modern day Greece.

A

Pine resin is added to must
The wine is then left on lees for no longer than a week
This allows the pine resin character to integrate

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39
Q

Retsina does not comply with the EU definition of wine, but what is the special status it has been granted?

A

Wine Appellation by Tradition (OKP in Greek)

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40
Q

How many PDOs are there in Greece? What percentage of production do they account for?

A

33 PDOs

20% of annual production

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41
Q

How many PGIs are there in Greece? What percentage of production do they account for?

A

120+ PGIs

62% of annual production

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42
Q

Wines without geographical indication are labeled as ‘Wines from Greece’. What percentage of production do they account for?

A

18% of annual production

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43
Q

Name the two most important PDOs in Macedonia, both found in the mountainous areas

A

Naoussa and Amynteo

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44
Q

The north and west of Macedonia is mountainous: describe the conditions here.

A

Climate is continental
Altitude keeps temperatures relatively cool
Rain falls throughout the year (650mm - 700mm)
Drought is not an issue

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45
Q

In the east of Macedonia are the flat plains: describe the conditions here.

A

Climate is warm and continental
Soils are fertile
Generally suited to producing higher volume wines

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46
Q

Name two good quality PGIs found on the plains of Macedonia

A

Drama and Kavala

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47
Q

On the warmer plains of Macedonia, Drama Valley has established a reputation for what kind of wines?

A

Bordeaux blends

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48
Q

What is the only permitted grape variety in PDOs Naoussa and Amynteo?

A

Xinomavro

49
Q

Naoussa covers the south-eastern slopes of which mountain?

A

Mount Vermio

50
Q

At what altitude would you expect to find vines in Naoussa?

A

150m to 400m above sea level

51
Q

What is the climate in Naoussa?

A

Continental

52
Q

Give a tasting note for a Naoussa PDO wine, noting the key varietal

A 
Xinomavro
High acidity
High tannins
Great complexity of aromas
Ability to age for decades
Mid priced with some premium examples
Good to outstanding
53
Q

Describe how some producers in Naoussa might make a fruitier, easier drinking style of wine

A

Use riper fruit
Cold soak
Whole bunch fermentation

54
Q

Amynteo is found on what side of Mount Vermio?

A

North western

55
Q

Are vineyards in Amynteo higher or lower than those in Naoussa?

A

Higher

56
Q

At what altitude would you expect to find vines in Amynteo?

A

570m to 750m above sea level

57
Q

The northerly aspect of vineyards in Amynteo has what affect?

A

Vineyards are exposed to cold northerly winds

Summers are cool and winters are cold

58
Q

What moderates the cool temperatures in Amynteo?

A

Lakes

59
Q

Lakes in Amynteo can moderate the cold, but what negative impact can they have?

What are soils like close to the lakes?

A

Humidity is higher close to the lakes increasing the risk of rot

Soils close to the lakes are more fertile, so care must be taken to control yields

60
Q

What styles of wine are permitted in Amynteo, and what varieties are allowed?

A

Red and rose wines

Only Xinomavro is permitted

61
Q

In comparison to wines from Naoussa, describe how a red wine from Amynteo would be expected to taste.

A

Due to cooler temperatures, Amynteo wines are usually lighter in body and lower in tannins.
The best wines have a distinct floral quality
Good to very good
Mid priced

62
Q

What are the two most significant PDOs in Peloponnese?

A

Nemea and Mantinia

63
Q

Describe the terrain in Peloponnese

A

Mountainous with poor rocky soils

64
Q

What helps to moderate the temperatures of regions in Peloponnese?

A

Altitude from the mountains

65
Q

How much of Greece’s total wine production is from Pelopponese?

A

30%

66
Q

In Peloponnese, where is land flatter, with hotter conditions and more fertile soils?

A

Around Patra

67
Q

Prevailing easterly winds in Peloponnese bring rain from the ocean, but rainfall levels drop further east across the Peninsula. Why?

A

The mountains mean the rains break and fall mostly in the west

68
Q

What are the two main grapes found in Peloponnese?

A

Roditis and Moschofilero

69
Q

Outside of Peloponnese’s PDOs, large volumes of inexpensive wines are produced. Which varieties dominate these PGI wines?

A

Roditis
Agiorgitiko
Other international varietals

70
Q

What is the name of the body of water that separates the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece?

A

The Corinth Canal

71
Q

Name the styles / varietals permitted in Nemea PDO.

A

100% Agiorgitiko

Dry and sweet red wines are permitted, although dry styles dominate

72
Q

What are more producers in Nemea doing to make a fruitier style of wine with lower tannin?

A

Semi carbonic maceration

73
Q

Describe the climate in Nemea

A

Mediterranean

74
Q

When in the season would you expect most rain to fall in Nemea

A

Autumn and winter

75
Q

Is rainfall in Nemea uniform year on year?

What soils cope better in dry years?

A

No - different rainfall patterns year on year can impact yields and the quality of the wines.

Vines on clay soils can cope better in dry years than vines on free draining soils

76
Q

Describe conditions in the valley floor area of Nemea, mentioning altitude. What styles of wines are the grapes used for?

A 
230 - 400m
Hottest zone
Most fertile floors
Inexpensive wines
Also used for high quality sweet wines
77
Q

Describe conditions in the mid zone of Nemea, mentioning altitude. What styles of wines are the grapes used for?

A

450 - 650m
Range of aspects and altitudes
Cooler than the valley floor
Free draining infertile soils limit yields
Cooler days slow sugar accumulation while flavours and tannin ripen
Best for quality dry wines

78
Q

Describe conditions in the highest zone of Nemea, mentioning altitude. What styles of wines are the grapes used for?

A

650 - 1000m
Agiorgitiko can struggle to ripen fully
Cool clay soils
Coolest temperatures from altitude
Mainly used for rose wines (not permitted in the PDO)
Some producers exploring fresher styles of reds

79
Q

Mantinia is on a plateau with elevations starting at what altitude?

A

600m above sea level

80
Q

Is Mantinea hot or cool? Describe how this might affect ripeness.

A

Despite its southerly latitude, the altitude makes Mantinia one of the coolest grape growing regions in Greece, with grapes sometimes struggling to ripen. It has on of the longest growing seasons in Greece with harvest sometimes as late as October / November

81
Q

What is the main grape variety in Mantinia PDO? What percentage of the blend must it make up?

A

Moschofilero - must be at least 85%, but most top quality wines are 100%

82
Q

Give a tasting note for a Mantinia PDO wine, stating the main variety.

A 
Moschofilero
High acidity
Low to medium alcohol
Medium(-) to medium body
Floral and slightly spicy aromas
Mid priced
Good to very good quality
83
Q

What type of vessel would you use to ferment Moschofilero? Why?

A

Stainless steel to retain freshness, as wines are aromatic and best drunk young.

84
Q

Name 5 noteworthy wine-producing Greek islands other than Santorini.

A

Paros - in the Cyclades, has a number of PDOs for still and sweet wines

Tinos - also in the Cyclades

Samos - in the northern Agean makes sweet Muscat

Lemnos - same as above

Crete - gaining reputation for high quality wines from indigenous and international varieties

85
Q

What style of wines are made on Santorini and from what grape variety?

A

Still and sweet wines from Assyrtiko

86
Q

Santorini lays on a volcano: during its last major eruption much of the island collapsed leaving a submerged crater in the centre. What is this known as?

A

Caldera

87
Q

What is the name of the special basket training system used in Santorini?

A

Koulara

88
Q

Why are vines in Santorini trained in baskets? Explain how grape growers train the vines.

A

By training the fruiting zone in the hollow inside of the basket, vines are protected from strong winds

The basket shape also helps to trap moisture (Santorini receives very little rainfall)

Each year the vines are woven around the previous year’s growth,; when a basket gets to bulky, it is cut off and a new basket is formed from the same shoot.

89
Q

At what density are vines planted in Santorini? Why?

A

2,500 vines per hectare

Vine densities are kept low because moisture is low. Lower densities will therefore reduce competition

90
Q

In Santorini, rainfall is very low. What is the main source of moisture for vines?

A

Morning fogs rising ogg the Caldera every morning. The traditional basket trained (Kourala) vines trap the moisture

91
Q

What is the maximum permitted yield in Santorini?

A

60hl/ha, although in practice yields are much lower

92
Q

What is the minimum amount of Assyrtiko required in dry Santorini PDO wines?

A

75% (the best are often 100%)

93
Q

What is the minimum amount of Assyrtiko required in sweet Santorini wines?

A

51% (the best are often 100%)

94
Q

Give a tasting note and the main variety for a dry white wine from Santorini

A 
Assyrtiko
High acidity
Medium to high alcohol
Stone and citrus fruit aromas
Smoky, flinty notes
Develop nutty and honeyed aromas with age
Good to outstanding
Mid to premium priced
95
Q

What fermentation vessels might be used for making dry wines in Santorini?

A

Most Assyrtiko is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel to retain fresh fruit flavours

Producers are increasingly experimenting with oak and lees contact

96
Q

Where does Vinsanto come from and what is the main grape variety used?

A

Santorini

Assyrtkio

97
Q

Explain the process of producing Vinsanto

A

Late harvested Assyrtiko grapes are sun dried for up to two weeks
Wines are oak aged for a minimum of two years
Often larger casks are not fully filled encouraging oxidation

98
Q

What levels of sugar would you expect in Vinsanto?

A

200 to 300g/l

99
Q

What is the minimum ageing period for Vinsanto?

A

2 years, although most producers will age their Vinsanto for longer

100
Q

Give a tasting note for Vinsanto, naming the main grape variety used.

A 
Assyrtiko
Sweet
High acidity
Raisin, coffee and chocolate aromas
Very good to outstanding
Premium to super premium price
101
Q

Roughly how many grape growers are there in Greece?

A

7000 - many own small plots of land and sell to larger producers

102
Q

Roughly how many wineries are there in Greece?

A

1,000 - most are small, selling wine locally or in bulk to co-ops

103
Q

Name the two largest wine producing companies in Greece.

A

Greek Wine Cellars

The Boutaris Group

104
Q

What did the Greek government do in the 1920s to try and revitalise the industry?

A

They established a number of co-operatives, who were responsible for a significant proportion of wine up until the 1980s.

Notably, the quality was poor.

105
Q

How much Greek wine is exported?

A

13%

106
Q

How has a weak Greek economy affected wine exports?

A

The weak economy means that Greek wines represent good value for money abroad

107
Q

Which foreign markets have emerged as leading markets for quality Greek wine?

A

USA
Canada
UK
Australia

108
Q

Name two key challenges faced by the Greek wine industry on export markets

A

Unfamiliar and hard to pronounce grape varieties

The Greek alphabet

109
Q

What is the name of the promotional body in Greece who have been actively marketing wines on export markets?

A

Wines of Greece

110
Q

The domestic market for Greece remains important; what type wines are preferred and why does this clash with export preferences?

A

There is a high demand for international grape varieties on the domestic market, compared with demand for indigenous Greek grapes on the export market.

111
Q

What styles of wine are typically produced from the Savatiano grape?

A

Used to produce inexpensive wines

Commonly used in Retsina

112
Q

What aromas are typical of Savatiano?

A

Subtle citrus, pear and stone fruit.

Can become nutty with age

113
Q

What styles of wine are typically produced from Roditis?

A

Used to produce inexpensive wines
Commonly used in Retsina
Higher quality wines can be made at altitude (yields need restricting)

114
Q

Describe two key characteristics of the Roditis vine

A

High yielding - suited to inexpensive production

Pink skinned

115
Q

What styles of wine are made from Assyrtiko?

A

Dry, high acid wines

Sweet Vinsanto wines

116
Q

What styles of wine are produced from Agiorgitko?

A

Wines range from light and fruity to more complex, full-bodied reds

Also used for rose and sweet wines

117
Q

Where is Agiorgitko mostly planted?

A

Nemea, Peloponnese

118
Q

Where are the best Xinomavro wine produced?

A

Naoussa, Northern Macedonia

119
Q

How might producers make softer wines from Xinomavro?

A

Using riper grapes and less extraction for fruitier wines with softer tannins

Blend with Merlot

Wine Diploma (62 decks)

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