RETSINA
Retsina is a traditional white - or sometimes rosé - wine that has been made in Greece for at least 2000 years. Its unique & distinctive flavor is said to have its origins from the ancient practice of sealing the wine vessels (amphorae), with pine resin to avoid destroying them by being in contact with oxygen. The pine resin was keeping the air out of the vessel, while at the same time was "infusing" the wine with its distinctive aromas and taste. Later on, the Romans started to use barrels for the fermentation & maturation of the wines removing any need of sealing the vessels with resin, yet the flavor of Retsina itself became so popular among the nations in the Mediterranean Basin, making it a beloved type of wine and a traditional Greek product well known all over the world, even today!
Retsina is usually made of various local grape varieties but the best is considered that of Savatiano, as well as of Roditis grapes.
Retsina was - and still is - one of the top selling wines within Greece and one of the top exported Greek wines - despite the "ruthless war" against it mostly by some "late" fans of "imported traditions" - and it is no coincidence that people from around the world enjoy it not only when in Greece for holidays, but also at home or in the numerous Greek restaurants.
Enjoy Retsina, wherever you find it, always chilled and in small glasses, accompanied by any kind of appetizers (tapas or mezedes)!!
Yamas!! (Cheers)
For any further info, please feel free to write at : dseitanidis@gmail.com
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