L3 - Greece Chapter 25 Flashcards
What is the climate of Greece and what are the greatest challenges in grape growing there?
Greece has a hot Mediterranean climate where temperatures can reach over 86F (30 C)
Altitude and wind cools the better regions but in the islands these winds can also destroy unprotected vineyards
Rainfall is an issue, as it is almost non-existent in the growing season. More rainfall in the west than in the east which is shielding by rain blocking mountains, but in general drought is a concern throughout Greece and this causes water stress on the vines.
How many varieties are native to Greece and how does this relate to production?
There are over 200 native grape varieties in Greece.
These varieties are well adjusted and able to survive in the hot, arid climate of Greece.
Many can produce high quality wines and the majority of PDO wines are made using native varieties only.
What are the three most important Greek PDO wines internationally?
(1) Naoussa PDO
(2) Nemea PDO
(3) Santorini PDO
Where is the Naoussa PDO region located?
What grape varietal is used for Naoussa PDO?
Describe the varietal and wine.
-Naoussa PDO is located in northern Greece in the region of Macedonia
-Altitudes up to 400 meters so noticeably cooler
-Naoussa is made exclusively from Xinomavro
-This grape is highly tannic, highly acidic and the color is medium and tends to quickly fade to tawny.
-tend to lack fresh fruit aromas even in youth
Most commonly compared to Nebbiolo.
-Can develop complex spice and earthy aromas with age in bottle
Some winemakers experimenting with new styles -more deeply colored, less tannic and some aged in new oak
Where is the Nemea PDO region located?
What grape varietal is used for Nemea PDO?
Describe the varietal and wine.
-Nemea is located in the north of the Peloponnese close to narrow strip of land joining the peninsula to the rest of Greece
-Nemea is made exclusively from Agiorgitiko
-Grown in a wide range of altitudes from 230 to 900 meters. Best fruit comes from the middle of this range.
When grown in lower (and as a result hotter) slopes, the wine can be overly jammy. Wines will be made for early consumption
The cooler slopes produces wines wiht high acidity and less fine tannins. It can add fresh fruit to the blend, but best suited to making rose wines.
The best Nemea wines have a deep ruby color with high levels of smooth tannins, low to moderate acidity and flavors of red fruits and spice
These wines can age well in new oak.
Where is the Santorini PDO region located?
What grape varietal is used for Santorini PDO?
Describe the varietal and wine.
- A windswept volcanic island in the Aegean Sea which has volcanic soil
-Winds are so strong that vines must be trained very low in basket shapes with fruit growing on the inside
-This PDO covers white wines in a dry adn sweet style - primarily made from the Assyrtiko grape varietal
Dry wines = perfumed aromas and concentrated flavors of stone fruit and ripe citrus, balanced by a high natural acidity
Sweet wines = Vintsanto -late harvested grapes are dried for 14 days, aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years -many producers age for longer than the minimum. Luscious sweet wines balanced by high acidity. Older wines show a marked oxidative character of caramel and nuts.
