Rest of Europe Flashcards
Which white grape dominates Swiss wine production?
Chasselas is Switzerland’s dominant white grape, known locally as Fendant in Valais.
What are the key Swiss red grapes?
Pinot Noir and Gamay are common in most regions; Merlot is favored in Ticino (Italian-speaking area).
Where are Switzerland’s main wine regions located?
Valais (Rhône River valley), Vaud (Lake Geneva), Geneva, Neuchâtel & Three Lakes, and Ticino in the south near Italy.
Explain the climate influence on Swiss vineyards.
They have a cool continental to alpine climate, moderated by lakes (Geneva, Neuchâtel) and the Foehn wind, with steep slopes requiring terraces.
Name a specialty Swiss blend featuring Gamay and Pinot Noir.
Dôle is a traditional blend of at least 85% Gamay and Pinot Noir (with Pinot usually dominant).
Why isn’t Swiss wine widely exported?
The Swiss drink most of their own production, and volumes are relatively small, leaving minimal surplus for export.
Describe the typical Swiss winemaking style for white wines.
Most whites, especially Chasselas, are fermented in stainless steel for freshness, highlighting mineral and floral notes.
How are wine laws structured in Switzerland?
They’re managed by each canton (region) rather than a single national system. Common appellations include Valais AOC, Vaud AOC, DOC Ticino.
Name two notable producers in the Valais region.
Domaines Rouvinez and Marie-Thérèse Chappaz are well-known for high-quality Valais wines.
Which Swiss region is known for Merlot production?
Ticino, in the Italian-speaking south, emphasizes Merlot for reds (often oak-aged).
Which three indigenous Greek grapes are internationally recognized?
Assyrtiko (white), Moschofilero (white), and Xinomavro (red) are key native varieties.
Where in Greece is Assyrtiko especially prominent?
Santorini (Aegean Islands), where volcanic soils yield mineral, high-acid whites.
What style is Retsina, and how is it flavored?
Retsina is a Greek wine infused with pine resin, giving a unique, resinous aroma and flavor.
Name two major mainland Greek PDO regions for red wines.
Naoussa PDO in Macedonia (Xinomavro-based) and Nemea PDO in the Peloponnese (Agiorgitiko-based).
Describe the climate in Santorini and its impact on vines.
Santorini has a windy, volcanic environment; vines are often basket-trained (kouloura) to protect from wind and preserve moisture.
What is Vinsanto in Greece?
A sweet, sun-dried wine from Santorini PDO made primarily from Assyrtiko, sometimes blended with other local whites.
How are Greek wine quality categories organized?
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is the highest level (e.g., Naoussa, Santorini), followed by PGI (Protected Geographical Indication).
Name a prominent producer in Santorini.
Gaia, Sigalas, and Hatzidakis are among the top estates on the island.
Which variety is known as “St. George” in Greece?
Agiorgitiko from Nemea, named for St. George, producing softly tannic reds.
List two major Greek producers in Naoussa.
Boutari and Kir-Yianni are classic producers focusing on Xinomavro-based reds.
What is Hungary’s most famous sweet wine, and where is it produced?
Tokaji Aszú from the Tokaj region in northeastern Hungary.
Which grapes are key in Tokaji Aszú?
Furmint is the primary grape, often blended with Hárslevelű and others. Botrytis-affected berries are crucial.
Define Egri Bikavér.
It’s the famous “Bull’s Blood” red blend from Eger, typically based on Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) plus other red varieties.
Name two southern Hungarian red wine regions.
Villány and Szekszárd in the south produce fuller-bodied reds from Kékfrankos, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc.
