Κυκλάδες (Kiklades)

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The vineyard area of the protected geographical indication Cyclades extends across the delimited zone of the Cyclades islands at elevations of 30 metres and above.
• The island geography, topographic relief, and proximity to the sea together foster a terrestrial Mediterranean microclimate characterised by mild winters and cool summers.
• The volcanic soils of Santorini are arid and inhospitable to phylloxera; the island practises basket-pruning (kouloura) and cultivates rare indigenous grape varieties, foremost among them Assyrtiko.

• In Santorini, evidence of winemaking activity in the island's vineyards predates even the great volcanic eruption, reaching back to prehistoric times.
• During the period of Venetian rule, from the 12th to the 17th century, Frankish and Venetian ships carried ever-increasing quantities of Cycladic wines — a golden age that came to an end with the definitive establishment of Ottoman dominion.

• The northerly winds (Meltemi) during summer prevent high temperatures from developing, creating a microclimate that contributes to the better ripening of the grapes.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Greece

Sources

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