D3 - Greece

Question 1

What is the general climate of Greece?

Answer 1

Mediterranean with long, hot summers and short, mild winters.

Question 2

What are the latitudes for Greece?

Answer 2

Between 34° and 42°N.

Question 3

As one moves more inland in Greece, the climate shifts from Mediterranean to what?

Answer 3

Continental

Question 4

What is a weather hazard in northern Greece?

Answer 4

Spring frost

Question 5

Name 2 moderating factors in Greece that help cool down warmer areas.

Answer 5

1. Elevation - helps in warm inland areas
2. The sea - helps with warm areas near the coast

Question 6

Why are strong onshore winds a threat to vineyards planted in the islands of Greece?

Answer 6

Strong winds can:
1. Stop photosynthesis
2. Interrupt flowering and berry-set
3. Delay ripening
4. Destroy unprotected vines
5. Increase water stress

Question 7

Rainfall in Greece varies.

What is the typical range?

Answer 7

Most winegrowing regions see 400 to 700mm/year, except for Santorini which is exceptionally dry.

Question 8

Select the correct answer:

When does rain fall in Greece generally?

a. throughout the year, even during the growing season
b. fall, winter and spring - there is little to no rain during the growing season

Answer 8

b. fall, winter and spring - there is little to no rain during the growing season

Question 9

Does Greece have one distinct soil type through its many regions, or do soil types vary?

Answer 9

Vary - everything from limestone to volcanic, and generally low in fertility.

Question 10

Select the correct answer:

Many grapegrowers in Greece:

a. sell their grapes to larger producers or co-ops, or simply produce small volumes to sell locally
b. use all their grapes for their own production because vineyards tend to be large and everyone has a winery

Answer 10

a. sell their grapes to larger producers or co-ops, or simply produce small volumes to sell locally

Question 11

What makes Greece suitable for organic and biodynamic viticulture?

Answer 11

It generally has hot, dry growing conditions.

Hot, dry growing conditions lower disease pressure and thus lessens the need for chemical treatments.

Question 12

How are the majority of vines trellised in Greece?

Answer 12

Cordon-trained with VSP.

Question 13

Is irrigation permitted in Greece?

On which varieties will irrigation generally be used?

Answer 13

• Yes, irrigation is permitted in Greece.
• Mostly used for international varietals as many local varieties have developed higher tolerances of drought.

Question 14

Fill in the blank:

In Greece, roughly ___% of all plantings are of indigenous grape varieties.

Answer 14

90%

Question 15

Fill in the blank:

In Greece, white wine makes up over ___% of annual production.

Answer 15

70%

Question 16

What are the 6 most commonly seen white grapes grown in Greece?

Answer 16

1. Roditis
2. Savatiano
3. Assyrtiko
4. Moschofilero
5. Muscat
6. Malagousia

Question 17

In Greece, what is the most planted grape variety of either color?

Answer 17

Roditis

Question 18

Fill in the blank:

The most commonly used grape variety in Retsina is ______.

Answer 18

Savatiano

Question 19

What are the aromas of Savatiano?

Answer 19

Subtle citrus, pear and stone fruits in their youth; with age the wine gains a nutty character.

Question 20

What is the second-most planted grape variety in Greece?

Answer 20

Savatiano

see graph on p.210 of D3 reading materials from August 2024 printing.

Question 21

Which two white grape varieties in Greece have pink skin?

Answer 21

1. Roditis
2. Moschofilero

Question 22

The Assyrtiko grape is originally from this Greek island.

Answer 22

Santorini

Question 23

What quality of Assyrtiko makes it not only ideal for dessert wine production but also age-worthy?

Answer 23

It retains high levels of acidity when ripe, even in the hottest conditions.

Question 24

What are the flavor characteristics of a dry Assyrtiko?

Answer 24

• Citrus, stone, tropical fruit
• Strong smoky/flinty character
• Sometimes secondary characteristics due to oak aging

Question 25

What are the aromatic notes of Moschofilero?

Answer 25

* Citrus * Florals (rose petals) * Muscat-like spices ## Footnote Moschofilero also tends to have high acid, light body, and low alcohol.

Question 26

Give a brief profile on Malagousia.

Answer 26

* Medium body * Medium acidity * Intense, complex aromas of stone fruits and flowers * Herbal or herbaceous notes if picked early or grown in cool sites

Question 27

What are the 2 most planted red grape varieties in Greece?

Answer 27

1. Agiorgitiko 2. Merlot ## Footnote See chart p.210

Question 28

What styles of wine can be produced with Agiorgitiko?

Answer 28

* Lighter, fruit-forward style for early drinking * Complex, full-bodied age-worthy styles * High quality rosé * Sweet wine

Question 29

Describe a typical Agiorgitiko made in an approachable red style.

Answer 29

Deeply colored with: * Medium acidity * Medium to high levels of soft tannins * Medium alcohol * Ripe red fruit * Sweet spices

Question 30

Which Greek PDO is known for their quality Agiorgitiko?

Answer 30

Nemea PDO ## Footnote Which is in the Peloponnese.

Question 31

Which Greek PDO is best known for high quality Xinomavro?

Answer 31

Naoussa PDO ## Footnote Which is in northern Macedonia.

Question 32

Describe a classic profile of Xinomavro.

Answer 32

In their youth: * High levels of acidity * Grippy tannins * Aromas that are more vegetal than fruity * Pale in color that turns garnet rapidly With some bottle age: * Complex aromas of flowers, herbs, spices, leather and earthiness

Question 33

In recent years, some Greek producers are making Xinomavro in a more approachable style. Describe this style.

Answer 33

* More fruity * Softer tannins * Using riper grapes * Not using as much extraction * Lower acidity levels * New oak * Adding Merlot to soften Xinomavro's rough edges

Question 34

Retsina is made throughout Greece but most of it comes from where in Greece?

Answer 34

The hot central plains.

Question 35

For Greek Retsina, at what point is resin usually added to the wine?

Answer 35

* **Usually added to the must** * Wine then left on its lees for up to a week post-fermentation (giving a more subtle, integrated pine resin character)

Question 36

What is the Greek equivalent to the EU's PDO?

Answer 36

POP | (Prostatevmeni Onomasia Proelefsis) ## Footnote There are 33 POPs in Greece.

Question 37

What is the Greek equivalent to the EU's PGI?

Answer 37

PGE | (Prostatevmeni Geografiki Endiksi) ## Footnote There are >120 PGEs in Greece

Question 38

# Fill in the blanks: In Greece, POPs account for \_\_\_% of total annual production. And PGEs account for \_\_\_% of total annual production.

Answer 38

POPs: ~8% PGEs: ~17%

Question 39

# Fill in the blank: Greek wines without a geographical indication are labeled simply as \_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 39

Wines from Greece ## Footnote Used mainly for high-volume brands and blended from grapes produced in more than one region; also accounts for around 66% of annual production.

Question 40

What is the special appellation category that Retsina takes?

Answer 40

OKP ## Footnote This special category is used for traditional Greek products.

Question 41

What is the range of geographic features of Macedonia in northern Greece?

Answer 41

* Mountains in the north and west (continental climate); * Plains in the east (warm Mediterranean climate).

Question 42

# Select the correct answer: In the mountains of Macedonia in northern Greece, the annual 650-700mm of rain this region sees falls: a. only during the winter b. only during the growing season c. throughout the year

Answer 42

c. throughout the year ## Footnote Water supply isn't really an issue in this region.

Question 43

What are the 2 leading PDOs in Macedonia in northern Greece?

Answer 43

1. Naoussa PDO 2. Amynteo PDO

Question 44

# Fill in the blank: The plains in eastern Macedonia in northern Greece is in a \_\_\_\_\_\_, and therefore drier than the mountainous part of the region.

Answer 44

Rain shadow

Question 45

# Fill in the blank: The soils in the warm, Mediterranean plains in the eastern part of Macedonia in northern Greece are \_\_\_\_\_\_, so they're ideal for the production of high-volume wines.

Answer 45

Fertile

Question 46

Name 2 PGIs in the eastern plains of Macedonia in northern Greece producing some good and very good quality wines.

Answer 46

1. Drama PGI 2. Kavala PGI

Question 47

# Fill in the blank: Both Naoussa PDO and Amynteo PDO produce red wines made from 100% \_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 47

Xinomavro

Question 48

Drama PGI is known for what style of red wine?

Answer 48

Full-bodied, modern style Bordeaux blends.

Question 49

# Fill in the blank: PDO Naoussa covers the south-eastern **slopes of** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. At **what elevation** are the vineyards planted here?

Answer 49

* Mount Vermio * 150-400m asl

Question 50

PDO Naoussa is relatively cool as a whole, and the best vineyard sites are sheltered from what?

Answer 50

Strong, cold winds that blow from the north and west.

Question 51

Name 2 important producers in PDO Naoussa.

Answer 51

1. Thymiopoulos Vineyards 1. Kir-Yianni

Question 52

Why do traditional reds from PDO Naoussa show pronounced spicy and meaty (rather than fruity) aromas?

Answer 52

Because this style of wine is aged in large old wooden vessels.

Question 53

In recent years, some wines from PDO Naoussa show a more modern style. What techniques are being used to give these wines a more modern flair, and how do they affect the final wine?

Answer 53

* Picking the fruit more ripe * Use of cold soaking or whole-bunch fermentation * Final wine is deeply colored and less tannic

Question 54

# Select the correct answer: The soils and climate of PDO Naoussa are: a. consistent throughout the entire PDO b. a complex mixture of soils and microclimates

Answer 54

b. a complex mixture of soils and microclimates ## Footnote In fact, a number of producers are now making village or single-vineyard wines which highlight the variations between different areas of the region.

Question 55

# Fill in the blank: PDO Amynteo is on the northwestern side of Mount \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 55

Vermio

Question 56

The vineyards in PDO Amynteo are higher or lower than those in Naoussa? What is their elevation?

Answer 56

* Higher * 570-750m asl

Question 57

The northerly aspect of PDO Amynteo means that the vineyards there are exposed to what?

Answer 57

Cold northerly winds, leading to cool summers and cold winters. ## Footnote Site selection in PDO Amynteo is crucial.

Question 58

What geographical features in PDO Amynteo help moderate the temperatures, but also increase the humidity?

Answer 58

* Lakes * Increase in humidity leads to increased risk of rot

Question 59

# Fill in the blank: The soil in PDO Amynteo is fertile, so grape growers have to take special care of the vines so as to control \_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 59

Yields ## Footnote If uncared for, the vines will overcrop and fail to ripen the grapes.

Question 60

What style of wine is permitted in PDO Amynteo but not permitted in PDO Naoussa?

Answer 60

Rosé

Question 61

Generally, the red wines from PDO Amynteo are lighter in body and lower in tannins with the finest examples having a distinctive floral quality than those from PDO Naoussa **due to what**?

Answer 61

Cooler temperatures.

Question 62

Name an important producer in PDO Amynteo.

Answer 62

Alpha Estate

Question 63

Which area of Greece has the largest number of vineyard plantings in the country?

Answer 63

Peloponnese ## Footnote Nearly 30% of the national total.

Question 64

What are the 2 most significant PDOs in Peloponnese?

Answer 64

1. PDO Nemea 2. PDO Mantinia

Question 65

Generally, is the Peloponnese a flat region with fertile soils, or is it a mountainous region with mostly poor, rocky soils?

Answer 65

A mountainous region with mostly poor, rocky soils. ## Footnote There is a small area of flatter land, including the plains around Patra, where conditions are hotter and the soil more fertile.

Question 66

Despite Peloponnese being at a southerly latitude, it is cooled and moderated by what?

Answer 66

Altitude

Question 67

Why do rainfall levels drop in the Peloponnese the further east you go?

Answer 67

Mountains shelter the region from westerly rains off the sea.

Question 68

The Peloponnese is dominated by which 2 white grape varieties?

Answer 68

1. Moschofilero 2. Roditis

Question 69

What is the name of the canal that separates the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of mainland Greece?

Answer 69

Corinth Canal

Question 70

Which Greek PDO known for its red wines is closely situated to the Corinth Canal?

Answer 70

PDO Nemea

Question 71

# Fill in the blank: PDO Nemea makes red wine only and must made from 100% \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 71

Agiorgitiko ## Footnote Dry and sweet wine styles are permitted, though sweet styles are rare.

Question 72

Name two important PDO Nemea producers.

Answer 72

1. Gaia Wines 2. Tselepos

Question 73

What is the climate of PDO Nemea?

Answer 73

Mediterranean

Question 74

In PDO Nemea, when does the majority of rain fall?

Answer 74

Autumn and winter

Question 75

What is the average annual rainfall for PDO Nemea? And what does the rainfall help dictate?

Answer 75

* It can vary wildly, from 400mm to 900mm, which can impact yields and quality from one year to the next. * Rain in autumn can sometimes dictate harvest times.

Question 76

What are the 3 distinct zones of PDO Nemea?

Answer 76

1. **Lowest zone: hottest**, on the valley floor with most fertile soils, 230-400m asl 2. **Cooler middle zone: best for quality wines**, 450-650m asl with poor, free-draining soils and a range of microclimates 3. **Highest zone: cooler** with clay soils, 650-1000m asl, mostly used for rosé production ## Footnote Since PDO Nemea is for red wine only, rosés are outside the PDO system.

Question 77

# Fill in the blank: PDO Mantinia is on a plateau with elevations starting at \_\_\_\_m asl.

Answer 77

600m asl ## Footnote This makes Mantinia one of the coolest grape-growing areas in Greece with a long growing season.

Question 78

PDO Mantinia allows for only this style of wine.

Answer 78

White wines

Question 79

# Fill in the blank: The main white grape in PDO Mantinia is \_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 79

Moschofilero

Question 80

# Fill in the blank: The highest quality white wines from Mantinia PDO will be made from 100% Moschofilero, but blends from Mantinia must be a minimum \_\_\_\_% Moschofilero.

Answer 80

85%

Question 81

In what vessel are most white wines from Mantinia fermented?

Answer 81

Stainless steel, to retain the wine's freshness. ## Footnote Most white wines from Mantinia are also drunk young.

Question 82

Name 2 important producers in PDO Mantinia.

Answer 82

1. Boutari 2. Seméli Estate

Question 83

Santorini is known for its dry and sweet wines made from this white grape.

Answer 83

Assyrtiko

Question 84

What 3 climatic features is Santorini known for?

Answer 84

1. **Strong winds** 1. **Little** **rainfall** 1. **Some** **fog**, which sometimes is the only moisture some vines see

Question 85

How are vines traditionally trained in Santorini?

Answer 85

* Low to the ground in a basket shape, typically in a hollow * Each year, the vines are woven around the previous year’s growth * When a basket gets too bulky (every twenty years or so) it is cut off and a new basket is started from a shoot

Question 86

What is the typical vine density on Santorini? Why?

Answer 86

* 2500 vines per ha * To cope with the extremely limited amount of water available

Question 87

What is the predominant soil type on Santorini?

Answer 87

Volcanic

Question 88

Maximum yields on Santorini are set at 60hl/ha, but in practice they can be as low as 15hl/ha, especially from the oldest of vines. Why are the yields so low?

Answer 88

1. Very infertile, volcanic soil 2. Low rainfall 3. These contribute to low vigor and, thus, low-yielding vines

Question 89

Does the Santorini PDO allow for red and rosé wines?

Answer 89

No - **white wines only**, made **both dry and sweet**.

Question 90

# Fill in the blanks: Dry wines from Santorini must be a minimum \_\_\_\_% Assyrtiko. Sweet wines from Santorini must be a minimum \_\_\_\_% Assyrtiko.

Answer 90

Dry wines: minimum 75% Assyrtiko Sweet wines: minimum 51% Assyrtiko ## Footnote The best wines will be 100% Assyrtiko.

Question 91

Most Assyrtiko from Santorini is made in neutral vessels to retain fruit flavors. Does that mean it's fermented at low, medium, or high fermentation temperatures?

Answer 91

Low fermentation temps.

Question 92

What is the name of the sweet wine from Santorini?

Answer 92

Vinsanto | (one word)

Question 93

How is Vinsanto from Santorini made?

Answer 93

Using late harvest grapes which are dried in the sun for up to 2 weeks.

Question 94

What is the aging requirement for Vinsanto from Santorini?

Answer 94

1. Minimum 2 years in oak prior to release 1. Many producers use large casks which they do not top up to encourage oxidation

Question 95

Give 3 descriptors of Vinsanto from Santorini.

Answer 95

1. Raisins 2. Coffee 3. Chocolate

Question 96

What is the typical residual sugar levels for Vinsanto from Santorini?

Answer 96

200-300 g/L ## Footnote This RS is balanced by Assyrtiko's natural high acidity.

Question 97

Name 2 important producers on Santorini making Vinsanto.

Answer 97

1. Domaine Sigalas 1. Estate Argyros

Question 98

Name 2 of the largest producers of Greek wines.

Answer 98

1. Boutaris Group 2. Greek Wine Cellars

Question 99

The most significant market for Greek wines is: a. their domestic market b. Russia c. China

Answer 99

a. their domestic market ## Footnote Only ~11% of Greek wine is exported, and its top export market is Germany.

Question 100

In Greece, what are the percentages of total annual wine production for: a. PDO/POP wines b. PGI/PGE wines c. Wines from Greece

Answer 100

a. 8% b. 17% c. 66%