Greece is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world. Everyone has carefully watched the words on the wine bottles, can you understand them all?
1. Oenos
This is Greek for “wine”.
2. Cava
The term “Cava” applies to table wines of both white and red wines. White wines must mature for at least 2 years in stainless steel tanks and bottles, or at least 1 year in barrels and bottles.
Red wines must be matured for at least 3 years and must be matured for at least 6 months in new or only 1 year old barrels.
3. Reserve
Reserve is only available for Appellation of Origin wines. White wines must be matured for at least 2 years, of which at least 6 months in barrel and 6 months in bottle. Red wines must be matured for at least 3 years, of which at least 1 year in barrel and 1 year in bottle.
4. Palaion Ambelonon or Palia Klimata
Wines made only from grapes picked from vines that are at least 40 years old, and these wines must be appellated or regional.
5. Apo Nisiotikous Ambelones
Applicable to wines made from grapes on the islands and belonging to the appellation and regional level.
6. Grand Reserve
Grand Reserve is only available for appellation-grade wines. White wines must be matured for at least 3 years, of which at least 1 month in barrel and 1 month in bottle. Red wines must be matured for at least 4 years, of which at least 2 years in barrels and 2 years in bottles.
7. Mezzo
This term applies only to Santorini wines. This wine is produced in the same way as Vinsanto wine, but with a less sweet taste.
8. Nykteri
It refers to the wine produced in Santorini with a legal production area grade and an alcohol content of not less than 13.5%. This wine must be matured in the bottle.
9. Liastos
Lisastos are wines made from AOC or zonal wines made from sun-dried or shaded grapes. The word comes from the Greek word for “helios” (meaning the sun).
10. Vinsanto
Refers to after-dinner dessert wine. The wine grapes used for this type of wine must contain at least 51% Assyrtiko, the rest of the wine grapes can be aromatic Athiri and Aidani, as well as those grown on the island. Other white grape varieties. Vinsanto wines must be aged in barrels for at least 2 years.
11. Orinon Ampelonon
Refers to the wine grapes from mountain vineyards. This term only applies to wines of the AOC or regional level, and the raw materials must come from vineyards above 500 meters above sea level.
12. Kastro
Greek for castle. This term applies only to those wines that originate from the estate and the estate includes the remains of a historic castle.
Post time: May-30-2022