WINES OF THE WORLD 🇬🇷 Greece Flashcards
(39 cards)
Climate of Greece
Mediterranean climate. Long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Inland, it’s more continental. Flatter lands are hotter and sea is a moderating factor. Different levels of rainfall (400-700 mm), generally no during the growing season.
Hazards in Greece
Spring frost in areas of northern Greece. Strong winds on many Greek islands (especially Santorini), more water stress, they can also destroy the vines. Water stress (irrigation).
Topography of Greece
A very mountainous country, best vineyards are planted at altitude to moderate temperatures. Some flatter lands (the plains of eastern Macedonia and central Greece).
Type of soils in Greece
Different types of soil, from limestone to volcanic, tending to be low in fertility.
Main grape varieties of Greece
70% whites. Savatiano, Roditis (pink), Assyrtiko, Moschofilero (pink), Malagousia, Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro.
Pink grape varieties of Greece
Roditis, Moschofilero.
Main training systems in
Vineyards are mainly trellised and pruning systems are adapted to local conditions (usually cordon-trained with VSP, nest against strong wind in Santorini).
Key winemaking operations for wines in Greece
Traditionally, foot crushing and fermentation in old casks, then long ageing before consumption. Now, modern presses, temperature control and stainless steel for fermentation. More use of new oak barriques (red and white), mainly French but also American. Some producers are returning to some traditional approaches (naturally-occurring yeast, shorter extraction amphorae for maturation).
Sweet wines are made using sun-dried grapes.
Main sub-regions of Greece
- Macedonia
- Peloponnese
- Islands
Classification of Greek wines
- POP
- PGE
- Wines from Greece
- OKP
POP
Prostatevmeni Onomasia Proelefsis) - The Greek PDO, 33 denominations, rules on grape growing and winemaking (grape varieties, yields), only for native varieties (Muscat exception).
PGE
Prostatevmeni Geografiki Endiksi - The Greek PGI, over 120 denominations, less regulations, also for international varieties.
Wines from Greece (classification)
For wines without a geographical indication (usually for high volume brands).
OKP
Greek classification for traditional products (Retsina).
Types of businesses that operate in Greece
Avg vineyard is 0.5 ha. Many growers sell grapes to large producers (Greek Wine Cellars and Boutaris Group) or co-operatives, or produce very small volumes to sell locally. Increase to sell wines from small wineries.
Many co-operatives have damaged the reputation of Greek wines in the past, while Samos increased with high-quality sweet wines, and others improved modernisation.
Types of wines made in Greece
20% PDO wines, 62% PGI wines, 18% Wines of Greece.
Retsina
Pine resin was used to seal amphorae and then used as an additive (flavouring purpose). Usually to mask poor quality wines, but also some high-quality wines were made by using a good pine resin. Most Retsina comes from the hot central plains, from many varieties (the most common are Savatiano and Roditis). Resin is usually added to the must and the wine is left on its less for a max of one week after fermentation. It’s a legally-protected category with regulations (amount of resin, min acidity). It has been granted special status as a “wine of appellation by tradition” (OKP). Premium bottles from Assyrtiko.
Main appellations within Macedonia
Naoussa PDO and Amynteo PDO
Climate of Macedonia
Cool continental and adequate rainfall on the mountains (no problem of water supply). Warm Mediterranean on the plains, also dry due to rain shadow.
Main grape varieties of Macedonia
Xinomavro.
Type of soils in Macedonia
Poor on the mountains, more fertile on the flat land.
Naoussa PDO
PDO in Macedonia. SE slopes of Mount Vermio, vineyards at 150-400 m, cool temperature, the best sites are sheltered from strong cool winds. Only reds (100% Xinomavro). Traditionally, large old wooden vessels (spicy and meaty wines), then barriques (firmer tannins and more body), and now modern style (riper fruit, cold soaking, whole-bunch fermentation, deeper wine, less tannic). Wines from village or single-vineyard due to difference in soils and microclimate. Thymiopoulos Vineyards and Kir-Yianni as significant producers.
Amynteo PDO
PDO in Macedonia. NW of Mount Vermio, higher altitude than Naoussa (570-750 m), exposed to cool winds, moderating influence from some lakes (also higher humidity, risk of rot), fertile soil, spring frost can be a problem. Old vines where sandy soils. Reds and rosés. Alpha Estate as significant producer.
Types of wines made in Macedonia
Traditionally, red wines. Modern Bordeaux blends from the warmer and drier Drama Valley to the east. Some whites at altitude (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) and full-bodied and ripe (Assyrtiko and Malagousia).
