Greece

Question 1

NEMEA PDO

Answer 1

Altitudes 230-900m, best coming from the middle

Red wines from Agiorgitiko

• Hot (lower alt) overly jammy, fruity, early-drinking
• Cool (higher alt) high acid, lower tannins, blender or rose
• Best deep ruby, high tannins, low-med acid, spice, red fruit, works with NEW OAK, ages well

Question 2

Greek Map

Answer 2

Question 3

NOUSSA PDO

Answer 3

Northern Greece – Macedonia

At altitude (400m), so cooler

Red wines from Xinomavro – compared to Nebbiolo

• High tannin and acid, med color, lacks fresh fruit
• Develops complex spice and earth with age

Some winemakers experimenting with style and oak

Question 4

SANTORINI PDO

Answer 4

Basket training protects vines, fruit grows inside

White Assyrtiko, high reputation

Dry: perfumed, high acid, citrus, stone fruit, dense

Sweet - Vinsanto

• Sun-dried up to 14 days, aged in old oak (2yr min)
• Sweet (luscious) and high acid balanced
• Ages to show caramel & nuts

Question 5

Greek Wine Laws

Answer 5

Over 200 native grape varieties for this arid climate

PDO wines require natives

Follows the EU countries with PDOs and PGIs

For export market may use PDO ‘Appellation d’origine de qualite superieure’

For domestic the Greek is Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis

Question 6

Greek Climate

Answer 6

Hot Mediterranean w summers over 30C

Coastal areas moderate by sea

Altitude and wind cool and also pose challenges

• Very low rain
• Wetter in WEST but still water stress
• Drought in the EAST – mountain rain shadow