Greece Flashcards
How many growers are there in Greece? Do they often sell grapes?
7000, often with very small plots.
Yes, to large producers such as Greek Wine Cellars and Boutaris.
How many wineries are there in Greece? Do they often sell on wine?
1000, mostly very small and sell wine in bulk to co-operatives or larger companies.
There has recently been a rise in small wineries marketing and selling their own wine.
How have co-operatives played a role in Greek production?
In the 1920s a number were established to try and revitalise the Greek wine industry, and they were responsible for a significant amount of production until the 1980s, but especially the poorer quality wines in which Greece became known for.
There were some high-quality ones, though, such as that on Samos which developed a reputation for high-quality sweet wines.
Other co-operatives have had to adapt and modernise to survive, and many now produce higher quality wines and are an important means for small growers and producers to get to market.
What is the state of Greek exports?
13% of total production.
Traditional markets are Germany (40% of exports), Scandinavia and Benelux, but these countries usually buy large quantities of cheap wine, and exports have been declining recently.
The USA and Canada have been emerging as leading markets for higher quality wines in the 2010s, as have, more recently, Australia and the UK.
The weak economy has made Greek wines excellent value on export markets and very few of even the highest quality wines reach premium prices.
What is a key challenge for Greek wines? How have producers countered this?
Introducing customers to unfamiliar varieties.
However this also provides a point of difference for Greek wines: Assyrtiko has been an especial success on export markets and others are starting to make progress.
The unfamiliar language and alphabet has also been an obstacle, and export minded produce now use Latin instead of Greek alphabet, and use PDO and PGI rather than the Greek alternative.
Which promotional body does Greece have?
Wines of Greece, who are active on export markets to promote and educate trade and consumers about Greeces wine, regions and varieties.
What is the state of the domestic market?
By far the most significant, though many drinkers prefer international varieties, creating an awkward difference between domestic and export markets.
