Greece

Question 1

Around what year was the grapevine brought to Crete?

Answer 1

2500 BCE

The grapevine was brought to Crete via trade.

Question 2

Which civilization surpassed all contemporaries in viticulture?

Answer 2

Minoans

They developed advanced techniques, including indoor plumbing.

Question 3

Who were the successors of the Minoans in viticulture?

Answer 3

Mycenaeans

They spread viticulture to other islands and mainland Greece.

Question 4

What was the first vineyard in France?

Answer 4

Massalia

Massalia is a Greek colony at modern-day Marseilles.

Question 5

What did the Greeks contribute to wine consumption?

Answer 5

• Spread cultivation of the vine
• Democratized wine consumption

Wine was consumed socially, not just ceremonially.

Question 6

What is retsina?

Answer 6

An aromatized wine flavored with Aleppo pine resin

It was historically significant in Greek wine culture.

Question 7

What is the modern production method for retsina?

Answer 7

Produced as a white wine from Savatiano grapes

Flavored with pine resin, not stored in resin-sealed casks.

Question 8

When were the first wine laws implemented in Greece?

Answer 8

1969 and 1970

Most of the country’s appellations were established in 1971.

Question 9

What are the two levels of PDO quality wine in Greece?

Answer 9

• Controlled Appellation of Origin (AOC/OPE)
• Appellation of Superior Quality (AOSQ/OPAP)

These categories are seen as archaic by most producers.

Question 10

What does Cava indicate for PGI wines?

Answer 10

• At least one year of aging for white and rosé
• Minimum three years of aging for reds

Cava wines must also spend time in oak prior to bottling.

Question 11

What is the principal grape in Nemea PDO wines?

Answer 11

Agiorgitiko

It is known for being softly tannic and intensely fruity.

Question 12

What is the significance of Xinomavro in Greek wine?

Answer 12

Firmly tannic red grape

It is used in PDO regions like Naoussa and Amynteo.

Question 13

What type of wines are produced in Zitsa PDO?

Answer 13

• Dry
• Semisweet
• Sparkling

These wines are produced from the Debina grape.

Question 14

What is the main grape used for retsina production?

Answer 14

Savatiano

It retains some varietal character when resinated.

Question 15

What is the PDO for sweet wines in Monemvassia?

Answer 15

Monemvassia-Malvasia

Wines must be sweet and aged in an oxidative environment.

Question 16

What is the dominant grape in Mantinia PDO wines?

Answer 16

Moschofilero

It is known for its aromatic qualities.

Question 17

What is the PDO for dry white wines produced from Robola?

Answer 17

Robola of Cephalonia

It is the only PDO on the Ionian Islands.

Question 18

What grape is primarily used in Santorini PDO wines?

Answer 18

Assyrtiko

The grape is known for its mineral and high-acidity characteristics.

Question 19

What is the aging requirement for Grande Réserve wines?

Answer 19

• Minimum two years for white wines
• Minimum four years for red wines

Includes specific aging in barrels and bottles.

Question 20

What is the significance of Mavrodaphne of Patras?

Answer 20

Sweet, fortified red wine

It is produced from Mavrodaphne and Mavri Korinthiaki grapes.

Question 21

What is the traditional appellation for oxidative white wine produced on Zakynthos?

Answer 21

Verdea

It is made from obscure and autochthonous grapes.

Question 22

What is the primary grape grown in the volcanic soils of Santorini?

Answer 22

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko wines are distinctively mineral, powerful, and high in acidity.

Question 23

Who is a master producer of Assyrtiko?

Answer 23

Paris Sigalas

He produces Assyrtiko in both barrel-aged and fresher versions.

Question 24

What is the name of the sweet, dried grape wine produced on Santorini?

Answer 24

Vinsanto

The name was likely appropriated by the Italians during Venetian rule in the Middle Ages.

Question 25

In **Paros PDO**, which two grape varieties are used for wine production?

Answer 25

* Mandilaria * Monemvassia ## Footnote Paros is the only Greek appellation that mandates the use of a white grape (Monemvassia) in red blends.

Question 26

What is the famous wine produced on the island of **Samos**?

Answer 26

Muscat of Samos ## Footnote It received appellation protection as early as 1934.

Question 27

What grape is known as **Moscato Aspro** on Samos?

Answer 27

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains ## Footnote It is produced in vin de liqueur, vin doux naturel, and naturally sweet versions.

Question 28

What is the naturally sweet version of Muscat produced on Samos called?

Answer 28

Samos Nectar ## Footnote It is similar to vin de paille and is produced from dried grapes.

Question 29

Which island produces **PDO wines** dominated by Muscat?

Answer 29

Lemnos ## Footnote Lemnos wines may be dry or sweet.

Question 30

What ancient red grape is utilized in the wines of **Domaine Carras**?

Answer 30

Lemnio ## Footnote Its importance on Lemnos has greatly diminished.

Question 31

What types of varietal wines does **Rhodes** produce?

Answer 31

* Red * White * Rosé ## Footnote PDO wines from Rhodes are made from Mandilaria and Athiri.

Question 32

What is the current focus of the Greek wine industry?

Answer 32

Building a reputation with indigenous grapes and international varieties ## Footnote Winemaker education is improving, and producers are rethinking their vineyards.

Question 33

What pest did not strike the **Peloponnese** until the 1960s?

Answer 33

Phylloxera ## Footnote This allowed producers to rethink and reshape their vineyards.