Greek Wine Terms

Question 1

Asproudi (plural: Asproudes)

Answer 1

A generic term for unknown white grapes (aspro means “white”)

Question 2

Cava

Answer 2

For PGI and Varietal wines only. Refers to a minimum of oak aging.
White and rosé wines:
-one year of aging with at least six months in barrel
Reds
-three years of aging with at least one year in barrel.

Question 3

Grand cru

Answer 3

Applies to certain sweet wines, made via the vin doux naturel process, that are sourced from select vineyards of a given region, typically from higher elevation sites.

Question 4

Grand/Grande reserve

Answer 4

For PDO wines only. Refers to a minimum of oak aging.
White Wines:
-2 years of aging with at least 1 year in barrel and 6 months in bottle
-cannot be aged in barrels larger than 600 liters
Red Wines:
-4 years of aging with at least 18 months in barrel and 18 months in bottle

Question 5

Kouloura/stefani

Answer 5

A traditional method of vine training specific to Santorini
-vines are trained along the ground in a basket shape
-Protects the grapes from the harsh, hot winds

Question 6

Ktima

Answer 6

Estate

Question 7

Mavroudi

Answer 7

An indigenous variety but also a generic term for unknown red grapes (mavro means “black”)

Question 8

Paleomenos se vareli

Answer 8

For PDO, PGI, and Varietal wines that are labeled with cava, reserve, or grande reserve
-Indicates extended oak aging beyond the required minimums

Question 9

Reserve

Answer 9

For PDO wines only
-Refers to a minimum of oak aging
White wines:
1 year of aging with at least 6 months in barrel and 3 months in bottle
Red wines:
2 years of aging required with a minimum of 12 months in barrel and 6 months in bottle.