Κυκλάδες (Kiklades)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• A terrestrial Mediterranean microclimate with mild winters and cool summers, shaped by the topography and proximity to the sea.
• The summer Meltemi (northerly winds) moderate temperatures and enhance the technological ripening of the grapes (acidity, aromas, sugars).
• High sunshine levels and a subtropical-Mediterranean climate favour viticulture on nearly all the Cycladic islands.
• The volcanic soil of Santorini — arid and inhospitable to phylloxera — constitutes a distinctive edaphic factor of the zone.
• Vineyards situated at elevations from 30 metres and above, on island terrain that acts as a series of 'balconies' overlooking the Aegean.

• Ancient protection of origin: from antiquity there existed a system analogous to today's PDOs, with strict penalties for adulteration.
• Basket-trained pruning (kouloura) in Santorini and indigenous varieties (Assyrtiko) grown in volcanic soils inhospitable to phylloxera represent a long-established historical practice.

• The Meltemi shape the technological ripening of the grapes, influencing acidity, colour, aromatic compounds, and sugars.
• The sun-dried wines of the Cyclades develop distinctive aromatic characteristics thanks to extended sun exposure and high temperatures.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• National product specification (PDF) — ypaat
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PGI-GR-A1343
• Official trade body site — Wines of Greece (EDOAO)