Retsina (Greece)

Retsina is a Greek white wine made with ordinary winemaking technique, except for small pieces of Pine Resin added to the must during fermentation.

The main grape variety used in the production of Retsina is Savatiano and, to a lesser degre, Roditis.

Retsina Flavors

Typical Retsina flavors are Citrus, White Fruit, Pine Resin with with a mild touch of salinity.

Citrus

Apple

Peach

Pine

Almonds

Salinity

Retsina Profile

Retsina is known to be a full body wine with good acidity:

SUGAR:	Dry (3 g/l)

BODY:	Medium - High

FRUIT:	Medium

ACIDITY:	Medium - High

ALCOHOL:	11-12% ABV

	Serving temperature: 10-12°C (50-54°F)

Retsina Food Pairing

Greeks enjoy Retsina as an aperitif on warm summer days.

Aperitif

Salads

Vegetables

Pasta

Fish

Chicken

Turkey

Pork

Excellent Pairings

Aperitif.
Salads. Vegetable Dishes.
Light Pasta Dishes.
Seafood. Cod. Seabass. Fish Soup.
Mussels. Grilled Scallops.
Egg Dishes. Omlet.
White Meat. Turkey.

Greek Specialities

Greek Lemon Chicken.
Grilled Salmon with Orzo salad.
Pasta with Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Lemon Yogurt.

The Ideal Glass for Retsina

A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine.

The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Retsina.

The Riesling glass is perfect for any bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde.

Retsina Cheese Pairing

Retsina is known for its light, crisp, and sometimes slightly fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.

You can also add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Pairing Retsina with Cottage Cheese can be quite delightful. The creamy texture and mild flavor of the cheese also offer a versatile canvas for adding nuts, honey, and fresh fruits to the pairing.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre, Feta): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes of Retsina.

Soft Cheeses

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Retsina.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Raclette cheeses are rich, creamy, and often salty. They call for a wine that can cut through the fat, refresh the palate, and balance the dish's intensity.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

Gouda: The crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors of a Retsina can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of a young Gouda.