Greece - Introductory Level 1 Sommelier Study Topics
Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of what you should know about Greece for your Introductory Sommelier Course. Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing countries, known for its indigenous grape varieties and unique wine styles.
Key Topics to Study for Greece
1. Climatic Influences
Mediterranean Climate: Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Altitude and Sea Influence: Many vineyards are located at higher altitudes or near the sea, which helps moderate temperatures and retain acidity in the grapes.
Wind: Strong winds, especially in island regions like Santorini, protect vines from disease and keep grapes healthy.
2. Greek Quality Structure
Greece has a quality classification system similar to other European countries:
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin):
Highest quality level.
Wines must come from specific regions and follow strict production rules.
Example PDOs: Naoussa, Santorini, Nemea.
PGI (Protected Geographical Indication):
Regional wines with fewer restrictions than PDO.
Often used for modern or experimental styles.
Varietal Wines:
Wines labeled by grape variety, not tied to a specific region.
Table Wines:
Basic wines with no geographical indication.
3. Principal Grape Varieties
Greece is known for its indigenous grape varieties, which are unique and rarely found outside the country.
White Grapes:
Assyrtiko: Native to Santorini, known for its high acidity, minerality, and citrus flavors. Often made in both dry and sweet styles.
Moschofilero: Aromatic grape from the Peloponnese, producing floral, fresh wines.
Roditis: Used in blends, producing light, crisp wines.
Malagousia: Aromatic grape with tropical fruit and floral notes.
Red Grapes:
Xinomavro: Native to Naoussa, often compared to Nebbiolo for its high tannins, acidity, and aging potential.
Agiorgitiko: Native to Nemea, producing soft, fruity wines with moderate tannins.
Mavrodaphne: Used for sweet, fortified wines, especially in the Patras region.
4. Principal Wine Regions
Naoussa (PDO):
Located in northern Greece (Macedonia).
Known for Xinomavro wines, which are tannic, acidic, and age-worthy.
Nemea (PDO):
Located in the Peloponnese.
Famous for Agiorgitiko, producing soft, fruity reds.
Santorini (PDO):
Volcanic island in the Aegean Sea.
Known for Assyrtiko, which produces dry, mineral-driven wines and sweet wines like Vinsanto.
Mantinia (PDO):
Located in the Peloponnese.
Known for Moschofilero, producing aromatic, floral white wines.
Patras (PDO):
Located in the Peloponnese.
Known for sweet wines made from Mavrodaphne and Muscat.
Samos (PDO):
Island in the Aegean Sea.
Famous for sweet wines made from Muscat.
5. Notable Wine Styles
Dry Whites: Assyrtiko from Santorini, Moschofilero from Mantinia.
Dry Reds: Xinomavro from Naoussa, Agiorgitiko from Nemea.
Sweet Wines:
Vinsanto: Sweet wine from Santorini, made from sun-dried Assyrtiko grapes.
Mavrodaphne of Patras: Fortified sweet red wine.
Muscat of Samos: Sweet, aromatic white wine.
6. Labelling Terms
Cava: Indicates a higher-quality wine with extended aging (not to be confused with Spanish sparkling wine).
Cava White/Rosé: Aged for at least 1 year.
Cava Red: Aged for at least 3 years.
Reserve: Indicates a wine with specific aging requirements.
White Reserve: Aged for at least 1 year (6 months in barrel, 6 months in bottle).
Red Reserve: Aged for at least 2 years (1 year in barrel, 1 year in bottle).
Grand Reserve: Indicates longer aging.
White Grand Reserve: Aged for at least 2 years (1 year in barrel, 1 year in bottle).
Red Grand Reserve: Aged for at least 4 years (2 years in barrel, 2 years in bottle).
7. Deductive Tasting for Greek Wines
Sight: Whites are pale to medium lemon; reds are medium ruby to garnet.
Nose: Whites (citrus, floral, mineral); Reds (red fruits, dried herbs, earthy notes).
Palate: High acidity is common in both whites and reds, with reds often having firm tannins.
Tips for Studying Greece
Focus on Indigenous Grapes: Learn the key characteristics of Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Agiorgitiko.
Map Practice: Be able to locate regions like Naoussa, Nemea, and Santorini.
Taste Greek Wines: Try examples of Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and sweet wines like Vinsanto to understand their unique styles.
