The 2006 vintage is at the same level as last year with an increase in quantity terms in specific areas. The information given in this Harvest Report prepared by the Greek Wine Federation represents almost all the producers of bottled wine.  Overall the harvest was good in both quantity and quality.   It was excellent in Santorini, but some difficulties were met in the viticultural zones of Nemea and Mantinia due to the widespread rainfall. Compared  with  last year the  prices  showed   an  increase  in  most    of the viticultural areas of Greece,  the minimum being +4% and the maximum being  + 15 %.

The expectations and the first evaluations show the white wines having vivid and rich flavours and the red wines will have strong alcohol and deep colour. Our main growing regions proved again to have delivered excellent quality grapes.

 NEMEA: From the beginning of summer the 2006 harvest seemed to be a problematic year.  The unusual growth (small and big grapes in a bunch) and as a consequence the dissimilar course of maturity made the prospects seem limited. This rare situation is mostly due to the unfortunate coincidence of many factors – mostly climatologically – like extreme moisture and cold in the spring at the time of blooming, probably in combination with  nitrate fertilisation.  This adverse condition was only slightly improved near the harvest period and was never fully overcome. However, the main problem was the variable weather. This is often experienced and perhaps has to be considered as the norm for the future. Coming closer to 15 September the days started hot and clear, full of promises, but  changed every midday with  dark clouds  from the northeast bringing  1-2 hours of rain daily.  Afterwards there was a wet and hot evening and the same pattern continued for a period of 10 continuous days.  These conditions were a paradise for Botrytis and mildew.

 It is very difficult to give an answer to this phenomenon and needs very serious work. It is called peak viticulture, or research for a clonic selection of most precocious and resistant clones of Agiorgitiko which will help the co-existence between this unsteady weather and the quality vinification. For the current year, as in 2005, we are talking for a two speed Nemea wine: those of the good vine-grower and those who simply follow the facts.

 Mantinia:

In the summer of 2006 and especially during July and August there was a very low to zero level of rainfall, a fact which is not characteristic of the Mantinia area.  This drought was accompanied by high temperatures which stressed the vine stocks and stopped the normal maturity of grapes.  Some local rainfall in the beginning – middle of September brought the grapes very much to the state of ripening and a hope that although the harvest would be late it would be of quality.

However, the rainy weather at the end of September and almost all October finally led to a especially difficult harvest.  The early vines with the correct load were gathered relatively early and in a very healthy condition and maturation. The same happened to the correctly cared for vineyards, with a relatively middle to low load which were gathered nearer to the end of October.  Once again there was a problem with the majority of vines with high load which had a level of maturation of 10^o Be.

other region report

PELOPONNESE

 Achaia – Patras: The grape production in the zone of VQPRD Patras is gathered by selective semi-mountainous communities. This  year’s   harvest  is  at  the  same  levels  as  last  year  in quantity terms, with the  exception   of   Muscat  of   Patras   which  has  an  increase  of  approx 5 %.  The   rainfall at the end of   the harvest   influenced the production. Generally, the quality of 2/3 of the white grapes is excellent, with 10-11 Be, while the Be of Muscat grapes is 12,5-12,6. 

 Côtes de Egialias: Although Rhoditis remains the primary variety, white varieties like Chardonnay, Lagorthi and red varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are cultivated covering considerable areas.

Due to the different ripening of each variety and altitude level of vineyards (450-850 m) the harvest started on 20 August and finished on 28 October.

While during the months before harvest the weather conditions were excellent with sufficient rainfalls during winter and a gentle July, two extreme weather phenomena during the extended period of harvest influenced both the various varieties and different vineyards: 1) the three days of extreme heat during August 2) the extended hail-fall on 24 September and the subsequent rainy weather.

Therefore we refer to a harvest with different results per variety and micro-area.  e.g. The short heat-wave  negatively influenced the early Chardonnay grapes which were approaching their maturity,  while the highland Cabernet and mountainous Rhoditis were  affected by the continuous rainfalls.
We have very positive initial results.   Further on, we expect interesting wine to be tasted at the wineries’ tables and in our glasses.

 CENTRAL GREECE

 Attica: The favorable climatologic conditions (temperature, sunlight, and moisture) during July and August allowed a very good maturation of the early varieties (Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon), which were harvested a week earlier than unusual. On the contrary the relatively low temperatures during September, and the intense rainfalls in the second part resulted in the late maturation of the Savatiano grapes.  It was due to northern winds which followed the rainfalls and had prevented the development of mycological diseases to the grapes of excellent health and condition.

In western Attica the harvest was considered at the same time to be sufficiently good but also very difficult.  The winter was normal with high levels of rainfall, which however did not continue in the spring.  Up until the middle of summer the harvest was expected to start one week later, but the drought and high temperatures mostly in August, in combination with the low production per stremma contributed to an early harvest in comparison with 2005.  The difficulty of this year’s harvest was particularly apparent at the final stage of maturation and due to the special drought-temperature conditions during August, when almost all the harvest took place, accelerating the harvest in order to gather the grapes at the required technological maturation.

 Viotia:  In this great viticulture zone, which is a continuation of that of Attica, the climate conditions were favorable.  There were a few rainfalls which did not influence the maturation procedure of the grapes. Coincidentally, the day after the end of harvest torrential rains started.

 The highland and semi-mountainous zones gave excellent grapes and especially the varieties Assyrtiko and Savatiano are the best of the year.  On the slopes of Kitheron Assyrtiko was excellent as were Merlot and Cabernet.  The variety Syrah was very well matured and its alcohol title has exceeded 1^o 13 Be. The fresh wines are characterized by a deep colour.

Fthiotida:  The harvest of 2006 in the area of Fthiotida and especially at Lokrida, the viticulture zone of Atalanti valley, was exceptionally good in quality terms, while in quantity terms was slightly decreased.  Once again the excellent ecosystem of Atalanti valley has acted as a catalyst. The microclimate of the area, the western cool breezes coming from Parnassos mountain in combination with the vicinity with Evoikos bay from east, prevented the high temperatures during summer.  The harvest in Atalanti took place at the beginning of August and resulted in white wines of high acidity, rich flavoured character, and an alcoholic degree between 12-13,5 %.   All the white varieties except from a few mountainous stremma of Athiri were early harvested before the third week of August when relatively high temperatures occurred in the lowland areas.

 It is proved to be a very good year for red wines as well, which have high extracts, while the maturing procedure of fenolic substances was very fine and regular in relation to that of sugar. The harvest of red varieties in the lower vineyards took place as from the third week of August, while in the mountainous areas before the rainfalls of the third week of September.

THESSALY

 Rapsani:  The harvest of 2006 is considered to be one of the best. The initial difficulties due to the rainy and cool spring were easily passed. The microclimate of the area is a determining factor, which is protected by Olympus Mountain from the north, while from the west it enjoys the breeze from the Aegean Sea.  These conditions have flavoured the quality of grapes as they have resulted in a natural reduction of the production per stremma.

The intense brilliant sunlight without the high temperatures and the rainfall in April, May and in the middle of July helped the slow but complete grape maturation process.  This in combination with the great temperature difference between the days and the nights gave to the grapes a rich colour and body.

IPIROS

 Metsovo: The weather conditions in Metsovo and east Zagori were particularly favorable with gently temperatures during the summer months and limited rainfall.  The wines of 2006 vintage coming from these areas are expected to be particularly elegant, with good alcoholic content accentuating the distinctive acidity and the fenolic maturation.  The gathering of the grapes took place over a long period while the harvest had an extended duration and in some occasions was late. The production was at the normal levels, with a slight decrease in the case of red varieties due to the bloom-falling during the blooming period, as a result of rainfalls.

MAKEDONIA

 Halkidiki: This year’s harvest started in the middle of August with the variety of Sauvignon Blanc.  The grapes   have kept the high alcoholic content with the acidity freshness due to the gentle temperatures and increased rainfalls.  The same climatic conditions led Merlot to develop high sugar content.

 Côtes de Meliton: The harvest at Côtes de Meliton in Halkidiki with the 4.750 stremma and 250 vineyards which newly started to produce has finished in first ten days of October.  During the maturation period of grapes the temperature difference between days and nights was 9-10^oC. The prompt and effective precaution taken against the diseases of the vines as well as the continuous observation by experienced scientific personnel, of the maturation characters of each variety, and the correct timing of harvest per variety are some of the factors that contributed to an exceptional year of grape production.

 Agion Oros : The unique ecosystem of Agion Oros, secluded from other cultivation had perfect climate  conditions.  The vineyards at Agion Oros, Metochi Chromitsa are 100 % biologic. 

Limnio gave less quantity of grapes, intense colour, high alcoholic content and body.  The harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon took place from in the middle of September to the middle of October.  This unusual phenomenon was due to the rainfalls during the second part of September.   The sandy soil  of the  vineyards on the slopes helped the drainage of water and allowed the grapes to develop an intense colour and  high sugar content above 14 Be.

 Amyndeo:  While the course of nature of grapes started early in Amyndeo due to the relatively high temperatures during the months of February and March, then due to very  low temperatures and drought occurring in May, the blooming was delayed. A relatively cool summer followed, and in combination with the opportune rainfalls- these factors created excellent condition for the plant development - gave a long duration for the natural processing to an excellent maturation.

A characteristic of this year’s harvest is the relatively high concentration of mallic acid and the excellent fenolic maturation in combination with the very good relation of acidity to the sugar content. It is a harvest with particular concentration which will come into focus during the following months, while its determining factor is the balance of load in the vineyard.

 Naoussa: The climate conditions occurring during 2006 in Naoussa were sufficiently unusual for the area.  The several rainfalls until July contributed to plants of great vividness and delayed the germination of most of the varieties.

 The rain during blooming caused the fall of buds in varieties like Merlot, the unbalanced load of bunches and the decrease of production in comparison with 2005, while Syrah and Xinomavro were not affected. After July the drought together with the sufficiently high temperatures created stress to the plants of Xinomavro, particularly desired in this instance. The harvest of the Merlot variety took place relatively late, giving grapes with satisfactory flavour potentiality, excellent colour and good fenolic maturation.

 Epanomi: This year’s harvest is characterized by a cool spring with good weather conditions and very few disease problems. The maturation procedure was normally proceeded, while a delay of 2-4 days was expected, the drought followed from 20-30 August accelerating dangerously the maturation, especially in the non-irrigated vineyards.

 The harvest in Epanomi started on 16^th August and finished on 10^th September. The white varieties were harvested the soonest possible due to the sudden heat during harvest time, which together with the extended drought did not allow any delay.  The quality of white grapes was excellent and by now the first wines tasted have the characteristics of high acidity and intense flavour of exotic fruits.  The red varieties were harvested earlier than last year and are distinguished for the excellent maturation and the high alcoholic content, 14-14,5.

 Drama: The viticulture period started positively with the rains to offer sufficient quantity of water to the soil. The rainfalls during the spring and then in June supported the homogenous shaping of grapes.  Since then, the absence of rainfalls in combination with the normal temperatures for the season and the adequately cool nights contributed to an extended maturating period, resulting in white wines of special flavour potentiality and in red wines of excellent fenolic maturation.

THRACE

 Maronia: The weather conditions were favorable.  The production was low, as  every year, with high alcoholic content, intense colour, high  concentration and ripeness  due to the low production.

There was sunlight during the first fifteen days of September and relatively low temperatures during the second fifteen days.  Syrah variety had slower than usual and full maturity.  The great fluctuation of temperatures during the day helped especially the Chardonnay variety to develop rich flavour, high acidity as well as high sugar content.

 AEGEAN ISLANDS

 Santorini: There must be two possibilities.  Either we are really very lucky and enjoy a near perfect nature or there is something we ignore in the physiology of Assyrtiko variety in Santorini.  We recall the good vintage of last year and remember our fears for the forthcoming 2006.  Actually 2005 was the third consecutive year of a “plentiful” vintage after an unbelievable generous 2004 and as well as a very good 2003, an unusual situation for Santorini, which fairly created concerns for the volume of production in 2006. Our fears were unfounded.  The sufficient rains in winter in combination with the gentle climatologically phenomena in spring and summer (with only the exception of the “superficial” mini drought in the middle of August) led to a vintage-model.  The production per stremma was slightly decreased compared with 2005, at a level of 8-10%, while it was kept in the absolutely acceptable and normal level for the island level of 270-320 kg/stremma.

However, it is not the normal performance of vineyards in quantity terms which characterized the harvest.  It is the stirring quality elements of grapes which will be proved in the wine and keep in our memory the harvest of 2006 as one of the best years.  The absolutely healthy, fresh grapes of yellow-green colour cheer up the winemakers.  In addition, the slight decrease of the production per stremma seemed to have contributed to the special, distinguished and desired “mineral” character of the new wines and to the return of the acidity to the high levels, which is a guarantee for the longevity of these rare and special wines.  The Santorini wines of 2006 harvest will impress.

 Paros: The weather conditions have influenced the maturation of the grapes resulting in a late harvest.  The healthy condition of the grapes was good while the white wines (Monemvasia) are expected to be fruity due to the sufficient acidity and sugar content.  The red varieties (Mandilaria) are expected to give wines of high quality.

  Samos: The harvest started on 4^th August and was completed on 31^st October.  The weather conditions of the current harvest were favorable in general.  The high temperatures in August counterbalanced the delay of maturation in July.  The Be was excellent and there were only the usual problems of diseases.  The great altitude difference, (0-900 m), the  shape of the vine, the un-irrigated cultivation and the limited production per stremma contributed to products of high quality this year.

  Rhodes:  The harvest of 2006 in the island of Rhodes presented many and important particularities compared with the previous vinicultural years.  The microclimate of the area is characterized by a cold winter and hot summer.  The vineyards of Rhodes Island were favored by the sunlight, the rainfalls during winter and the cool sea breezes from May to September.

The  harvest  took  place  on  the  basis  of  two  different   factors.

• The first concerns Athiri and Mandilaria which are cultivated on small hills and mountain ranges around the Attaviros Mountain. Contrary to the initial forecasts the maturation of grapes was developed normally on the mountains, due to several slopes and the good exposure to the sun.  The small shape of grapes led to a reduction in acidity, sugar content and mostly of all the flavoring elements.  The extended duration of maturation contributed to higher maturation of flavours for white wines and to the maximum of colour of the red skinned grapes.  Fortuitously, the colour performance of the Mandilaria variety was favored due to the increased quota as a result of the size of the proportion between the solid and liquid elements during the extraction.  Amongst the most positive elements of the quality potentiality of grapes is the reduction of the production per stremma of almost all the producers.

•  The second viniculture factor concerns the situation in the lowland vineyards where maturation problems occurred, while the production was at the same levels as last year.

 Crete: This year’s harvest was relatively late for Crete and was characterized by the middle production of all the varieties in the zone of Peza.  The maturation of grapes was influenced by the drought in August only in certain especially hot precocious areas. In the areas of high altitude the harvest of Vilana started between 16/9 and 23/9.  The wines of the Vilana variety are wines of 12-12,5 alcohol vol.  and are wines of high flavour and complexity. 

The harvest for Kotsifali shows a very good year.  In specific areas some problems occurred due to the low acidity and high alcoholic content.  On the contrary the harvest of 2006 may be characterized as an exceptional year for the wines of the Mandilaria variety.  The well-balanced acidity and the excellent fenolic maturation resulted in a wine production of high ageing potentiality.  The alcoholic content for red wines is between 12,5 % and 13,5 %, while their bouquet  is of great intensity and complexity.  The grape quality in combination with the proper viticultural process led to wines of particular fenolic potentiality. The palate and the fragrant complexity of red wines support the believe that the harvest of 2006 is the best of the last decade.