 GreeceAegean islands / Αιγαια νησια
Aegean islands / Αιγαια νησια
In Area Santorini O.P.A.P./ Σαντορίνη
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Part of a group of islands belonging to Greece, the most southerly of the Cyclades group, located north of Crete. It is also known as Santorini, in modern Greek it is Thira or Fira. The land area is around 75 km². The ring-shaped island was created by a huge volcanic eruption around 1500 BC, which also destroyed the Mioinian culture (bronze-age culture of Crete). The island was strongly influenced by Venice from the 13th to the late 16th century, which helped to create an important wine-growing culture. The alcoholic sweet wines, in particular, were highly regarded for their long maturation potential, and for the fact that they travelled well. These wines were shipped to many countries in Europe via the port of Monemvasia (Peloponnes). Although the island fell under Turkish rule in 1579, this did not result in any restrictions on viticulture. The summer is warm and dry with practically no rain, while the winter is mild with few but quite heavy rain showers. The total vineyard area is around 1.200 hectares on mainly volcanic soil, which is ideal for growing vines. Around 40 indigenous grape varieties are planted, of which 80% are white varieties and 20% red. The vines are trained very low in the shape of wreaths or baskets in order to protect the grapes, which grow on the inside, from the hefty winds (as on the neighbouring island of Paros). The main island of Santorini as well as the smaller Thirasia (9 km²) were declared as appellations in 1972. There are two OPAP white wines. The dry version is made from Assyrtiko, Aidani Aspro and Athiri, the naturally sweet vin de liqueur is a blend of Assyrtiko and Aidani Aspro. The traditional dry red, rosé and white wines are known as Brousko (from Italian brusco = coarse, brusque). Local specialities include the blended white wine made from Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani Aspro grapes, and known as Nykteri (English: night work, which refers to the fact that the grapes are only picked in the early evening, once dusk has fallen), as well as sweet wines made I nthe style of the Italian Vin Santo from dried Assyrtyko, Athiri andAidani Aspro grapes. The only designation that may be used for appellation wines is Liastos. A less sweet version of Vin Santo is known as Mezzo. The best-known wine producers on the island are Antoniou, Argyros, Boutari, Gaia, Hatzidakis, Roussos, Santo
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