25 - Greece

Question 1

3 greek grapes & regions

Answer 1

1. Xinomavro (black) - Naoussa PDO
2. Agiorgitiko (black) - Nemea PDO
3. Assyrtiko (white) - Santorini PDO

Question 2

Climate in Greece

Answer 2

Hot Mediterranean

Question 3

Description of climate in Greece
temp, rain, hazards etc

Answer 3

• Hot Mediterranean
• temp. can reach well over 30C
• coastal areas tend to be moderated by the sea
• altitude & wind can also have a cooling effect
• in the islands to the south-east of the mainland the wind are strong enough to destroy unprotected vy
• rainfall levels can vary, but even in the wetter areas in the west of the country the almost complete lack of rain in the growing season can cause water stress
• drought is a particular concern on the eastern side of Greece (lies in the rain shadow of the mountains where there is little available water for irrigation)

Question 4

hazards in Greece

Answer 4

• wind: islands to the south-east of the mainland
• drought: eastern side of Greece

Question 5

how many grape varieties are native to Greece

Answer 5

over 200

Question 6

Naoussa PDO
(where, altitude, PDO, grape)

Answer 6

• in northern Greece in the region of Macedonia
• vy are at altitudes up to 400m, noticeably cooler than the surrounding area
• PDO for red wines made exclusively from Xinomavro

Question 7

char. of red wines of Xinomavro

Answer 7

• often compared with Nebbiolo
• high levels of tannin & acidity

Traditionally
- medium colour that quickly fades to tawny
- lack fresh fruit aromas even in their youth
- long-lived
- age: can develop complex spice & earthy aromas

Some winemakers make different styles
- more deeply coloured
- less tannic
- some are aged in new oak

Question 8

where is Naoussa?

Answer 8

in northern Greece in the region of Macedonia

Question 9

what grape is made in the Naoussa PDO?

Answer 9

Xinomavro

Question 10

where is Xinomavro grown?

Answer 10

in Naoussa PDO in Greece

Question 11

Nemea PDO
(where, altitude, grape)

Answer 11

• in the north of the Peloponnese close to the narrow strip of land that joins the peninsula to the rest of mainland Greece
• vy spread over a wide range of altitudes from 230-900m
  (best fruit comes from the vy in the middle)
• PDO for red wines made exclusively from Agiorgitiko

Question 12

describe the vy of Nemea & the difference in characteristics due to altitude

Answer 12

• vy spread over a wide range of altitudes from 230-900m
• best fruit comes from the vy in the middle

hotter lower slopes:
- can be overly jammy
- fruity wines for early consumption

higher slopes:
- higher acidity & less fine tannins
- can add freshness to a red blend
- best suited to rosé production

best
- deep ruby colour
- high levels of smooth tannins
- low to moderate acidity
- sweet spice & red fruit flavours
- great affinity for new oak & age well

Question 13

where is Nemea?

Answer 13

in the north of the Peloponnese close to the narrow strip of land that joins the peninsula to the rest of mainland Greece

Question 14

what grape is grown in Nemea PDO?

Answer 14

Agiorgitiko

Question 15

where is Agiorgitiko grown?

Answer 15

Nemea PDO

Question 16

Santorini PDO
(where, vy, wines, grape)

Answer 16

• a windswept volcanic island in the Aegean Sea
• the permanent wood is trained very low into a basket shape & the fruit grows on the inside
• PDO for red & white wines made in dry & sweet styles
• Assyrtiko have the highest reputation

Question 17

vine training on Santorini

Answer 17

• the winds are so strong that a unique training method has to be used here to protect the vines
• the permanent wood is trained very low into a basket shape
• the fruit grows on the inside

Question 18

what grape is grown on Santorini

Answer 18

Assyrtiko

Question 19

where is Santorini

Answer 19

it is a windswept volcanic island in the Aegean Sea

Question 20

characteristics & wm of wine from Assyrtiko

Answer 20

Dry wines
- perfumed aromas
- concentrated flavours of ripe citrus & stone fruit
- natural high acidity

Sweet wines
- Vinsanto
- Late-harvested grapes are sun-dried for up to 14 days
- aged in old oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years (many far longer)
- luscious sweetness
- high acidity
- older wines: marked oxidative character of caramel & nuts

Question 21

Greek wine laws

Answer 21

• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
• Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

For export markets:
- producers of dry PDO wines may either use the term Prot. Des. of Or. or, less frequently, Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure on their wine labels
(subcategory within the PDO classification)

Domestic market
- Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis

Question 21

Greek wine laws

Answer 21

• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
• Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

For export markets:
- producers of dry PDO wines may either use the term Prot. Des. of Or. or, less frequently, Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure on their wine labels
(subcategory within the PDO classification)

Domestic market
- Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis

Question 22

what is Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure in Greece?

Answer 22

subcategory within the PDO classification

Question 23

what is the PDO in Greece?

Answer 23

• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
• Appellation d’origine de qualité supérieure
  (subcat. within the PDO classification)
• Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis