New Wines Of Greece

In a country with a Mediterranean climate, such as Greece, the needs of vines for water are higher than in northern, more humid climates. Irrigation systems are thus a common feature in many good quality vineyards, especially in regions with low rainfall and humidity. Indeed, the installation of the first underground irrigation systems in vineyards in Europe places Greece among the pioneers in innovation in viniculture on the continent.
Special care is also required so that the sun, the great ally of the Greek land, is not turned into an enemy. This difficult task is undertaken by management of the vineyard’s foliar wall, a factor to which innovation in viniculture is paying increasing attention. The height, shape and ratio of foliage to fruit are relevant to the protection of the grapes and the proper photosynthesis,  a necessary requirement for producing excellent grapes.
Innovation in viniculture also includes the necessary, absolute control provided by the use of meteorological stations installed in many Greek vineyards which provide wineries with valuable data on the weather outlook. An equally valuable ally is the ultramodern foliar-diagnostic laboratories which practically study the leaves under… a microscope, allowing the producer to diagnose and deal with any problem found in the vines.
Another part related to innovation in viniculture is the experimental planting which is done in Greek vineyards. Agencies and private entrepreneurs, either separately or jointly, systematically experiment on new varieties: foreign ones, that seem to be suitable for the Greek climate, as well as local ones, the potential of which is yet unknown and can hide many more veritable treasures than the ones already discovered.
Although not directly related to innovation in viniculture, the ecological and environmentally restless character of Greek viniculture is strong and steadily expanding. Thus, Greek viticulture, largely the result of the combination of know-how and a charismatic climate, is not limited to the production of healthy and perfectly matured grapes. It also has environmental and ecological concerns, applying various alternative practices which result in a big percentage of the new wines of Greece being not only of high quality but also organic –even if this is not indicated on the label.