Papagiannakos Retsina, Attica (50cl)

Forget any preconceptions – this is Retsina as it should be! Produced from the Savatiano grape grown in the region of Markopoulo, Attica. This traditional style of Greek wine is thought to have begun with the storage and transportation of wine in clay jars sealed with resin. The resin covered and protected the wine, yet also imparted a resin / pine character to it. These days classic white wine vinification is firstly carried out, then a few days after fermentation begins small quantities of pine resin are added in cotton bags – removed once the required flavours have been extracted.

The nose has woody, herbal notes of rosemary and thyme. On the palate the characteristic pine flavours come through, yet they work with the Savatiano base to retain fresh, lemon citrus flavours. A complex wine with balancing acidity. Drink with fried fish and chips, or even grilled lamb!