🍷 Retsina

Retsina is a Greek white or rosé wine with pine resin added. The resin goes into the must during fermentation or into young wine. It gives the wine a pine smell and a resinous, slightly bitter taste. The tradition is about 2,000 years old.

In antiquity resin was used to seal amphorae: it kept the air out, and the wine took on its aroma. In time the taste came to be liked, and retsina began to be made on purpose. The main grapes are Savatiano, Roditis and Assyrtiko. The wine is dry and light, served cold, with meze, fried fish and olives.

Retsina belongs to Greek wine, where it is one of the most recognisable styles. It is also made in Cyprus. It used to be an inexpensive tavern wine, but today higher-level wines appear too. In the European Union retsina is protected as a traditional term. The taste is unfamiliar to many, but enthusiasts like its freshness and the aroma of the Mediterranean. It is best tried in small portions.