Greece: The Growing Environment and Grape Growing

Question 1

Greece: Climate

Answer 1

• latitudes between 34-42 degrees N
• Mediterranean climate iwth long, hot summers and short , mild winters
• Inland, continental with some winters that freeze / spring frost
• -Very miountainous country, eg. Amyndeon and Mantinia
• -Hotter, flatter areas are in Macedonia and Central Greece
• -On the islands eg. Santorini the winds can prevent fruit set and destroy unprotected vines
• -Rainfall is between 400-700mm with Sanotrini being the driest , with literally no rainfall except in the mountains
• Water stress is common and irrigation is oftern essential
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Question 2

Greece: Soil

Answer 2

• Wide range of soils, limestone to volcanic
• Apart from the fertile plains, most of the soil is low fertility ( left by farmers for vines and olives )
• Creates high qiuality and character-filled wines
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Question 3

Greece: Vineyard Management

Answer 3

• Vineyards tend to be small at 0.5 ha
• MAny growers sell their grapes to large co-ops and make small volumes to sell locally
• Most vineyards are worked by hand
• Hot, dry conditons are suitable for organic production - the use of chemicals is only recent , modern
• Majoirty trellises , cordon trained with VSP
• However in santorini they make little baskets to protect to the vines from the wind
• Irrigation is permitted usually on Cab Sauv and Merlot ( usually drip style )
• Local varities have adapted to drought
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