C 143/20
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
31.3.2022
The island is exceptionally dry.
During the summer months, when the grapes are ripening, temperatures during the day are very high.
During this prolonged dry period, the hydration needs of the plants are supplied by the mists resulting from the evaporation of the sea.
These rise from the caldera and cover the island.
At the same time, during the summer months, the island is buffeted mercilessly by the north winds, known as ‘Meltemi’, which prevent the accumulation of moisture on the grapes during the day.
At night, however, when temperatures fall and the climate conditions become relatively damp, the island’s volcanic soil absorbs the moisture and, in that way, nourishes the vines.
In places where the ground slopes steeply, the people of Santorini have constructed the famous pezoules (steps).
In other words, they have shaped the land into terraces in order to facilitate cultivation and limit water loss.
As a result of this unique combination of climate and soil, the grapes of Santorini ripen quickly and maintain their acidity.
Like everything else in windswept Santorini, even the vines are unique in form.
The plants are widely spaced and low to the ground.
In order to protect the grapes from the relentless winds which buffet the island in winter, the people of Santorini have a method of pruning the vines into crown shapes with the grapes growing on the inside.
Serious afflictions by insects and diseases are rare.
The only plant protection intervention is one or two preventive applications of sulphur in the spring.
The vineyards of Santorini are the most ancient in all of Greece.
Some vines could be as much as 300 years old.
The vines have their own roots.
They are not grafted onto American rootstocks.
This is because phylloxera, the harmful insect that continues to destroy vineyards around the world, never reached here.
Fortunately, the island’s volcanic soil, with its scarcity of clay and very high sand content (93-97 %), does not support it.
Consequently, a number of factors create a microclimate like no other in the world.
It helps the grapes to ripen fully, giving them special characteristics such as the refreshing high acidity and high alcoholic strength.
8.5.
Quality-related, historical, cultural and social link and geographical environment of the white wine Pro duc t d e t a il s The vineyards of the islands of Santorini and Thirasia are veritable belvederes over the Aegean Sea.
During summer, the northerly winds, the famous Meltemi, prevent high temperatures, thus creating a particular microclimate.
This enhances the ripening of the grapes and their composition during the ‘analytical’ ripening stage, i.e. taking into account acidity, colour, aromatics, sugars, etc. The result is wines of exceptional quality.
Wines with the Santorini PDO are made from local grape varieties Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani.
In particular, the dry white wine with the Santorini PDO is made from at least 85 % Assyrtiko grapes.
The remaining percentage is made up of Aidani and Athiri grapes.
The combination of the climate, composition of the islands’ soils, grape varieties grown, care bestowed on the vines and the wine-making techniques used, contributes to the quality characteristics of the Santorini PDO wines.
This combination enables them to age and improve their characteristics over time.
The aged dry white wine is a deep golden yellow colour with orange tints.
Its aromas are mainly floral, green fruit such as quince and various jammy fruits.
Nutty notes such as roasted almonds and hazelnuts are also present.
Spiced notes are often found, such as cumin and coriander, aromatic herbs such as geranium, thyme, sage, chamomile and a finish of dried fig.
The aromas are also present as flavours, together with honey and dried fruits.
The aged wines also have a buttery texture.
As a result of the above, these wines are rich and complex with body, and an even longer aftertaste.
8.6.
Quality-related, historical, cultural and social link and geographical environment of the white wine Ca u sa l i n t er ac ti on As detailed in the sections above, the uniqueness of the wines with the Santorini PDO is due to the specific characteristics of the island and the specific cultivation techniques.
These include: