Savatiano / Savvatiano (Greece)
Savatiano is a Greek white wine grape primarily used in Retsina wines.
Savatiano is one of Greece's most widely planted wine grape, known for its resistance to drought condition.
It is mostly planted in central Greece, particularly in Attica.
In Retsina, the low acidity of Savatiano is often compensated by adding Roditis in the blend.
Savatiano Flavors
Typical Savatiano flavors are Citrus, White Fruit, Pine Resin with with a mild touch of salinity.
 Citrus |
 Apple |
 Peach |
 Pine |
 Almonds |
 Salinity |
Savatiano Profile
Savatiano 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 |
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Serving temperature: 10-12°C (50-54°F) |
Savatiano Food Pairing
Greeks enjoy Savatiano 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 Savatiano
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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 Savatiano. The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde. |
Savatiano Cheese Pairing
Savatiano 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
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes of Savatiano.
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Savatiano.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Gorgonzola Dolce: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
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Wine Region Attica
Attica is located on the edge of the Aegean Sea, north of Peloponnese.
The region is home to the city of Athens.
Known for the production of Retsina, a wine flavored with pine resin.
The traditional grape for retsina is Savatiano with Assyrtiko and Rhoditis sometimes blended in.
Attica also produces quality wines from the Savatiano grape, which is naturally resistant to the heat of this region.
Modern versions of Savatiano wines can show a creamy texture with notes of lemon and apple, especially when grown in low-yield vineyards.
