2023 Papagiannakos Retsina, Attica

Domaine Papagiannakos, established in 1919 in the heart of Mesogaia, Attica, is renowned for its dedication to the indigenous Savatiano grape. Under the guidance of third-generation winemaker Vassilis Papagiannakos, the winery has embraced modern techniques while honoring traditional practices, resulting in wines that authentically express the region's terroir.

The Papagiannakos Retsina is crafted from Savatiano grapes 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 would cover and protect the wine, but also impart a resinous, pine character to it. These days, classic white wine vinification is firstly carried out, then a few days after fermentation begins, small quantities of resin from the Aleppo Pine are put into cotton bags and added to the 150 hectolitre cooled, steel tanks. The exact quantity of resin is a closely guarded family secret, and the bags are removed once the precise level of flavor has been extracted. Papagiannakos sources their pine resin from a forest close to the domaine called Kouvras, and have been working with the same resin collector for many years.

In the glass, this Retsina presents a balanced and true to a classic style, but not overly tannic or medicinal. The nose shows sweet pine, rosemary, and thyme aromas. More pine is present on the palate, balanced with fresh citrus flavors and some weight and texture from the old vine Savatiano. Clean and refreshing with depth and character. This Retsina pairs excellently with pan-fried fish or grilled lamb, and is delicious with pork meatballs and braised fennel.