Retsina wine (Greek wine flavored with pine resin)

One of the oldest and most unique varieties of wine, Retsina – a Greek wine flavored with pine resin – has roots that date back to ancient Greece. This traditional wine has evolved and been perfected over the years and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

The term Retsina comes from the Greek word “retsini,” which means “resin.” The resin used in Retsina is obtained from pine trees that are native to Greece. The Greeks used to store their wines in clay jars, and to seal the jars, they used a pine resin boiled with beeswax. This ancient preservation process imparted the wine with a distinct pine flavor. Over time, the Greeks started to add small amounts of the resin directly to their wines, which led to the creation of Retsina as we know it today.

There are many different styles of Retsina made throughout Greece, but essentially, the wine is made with the white grape varieties of Assyrtiko, Roditis and Savatiano. At the end of the fermentation process, small pieces of pine resin are added to the wine, which infuses it with a unique and aromatic flavor.

Traditionally, Retsina was known for its pungent aroma and taste, making it a bit of an acquired taste for some wine drinkers. However, with new techniques and processes in place, modern Retsina wines are now smoother and more refined, without losing the essence of the pine resin.

Retsina is produced in various regions of Greece, with some of the most popular areas being Attica, Viotia, and even the island of Santorini. Wine producers in these regions have refined the Retsina recipe over time to create unique variations that cater to different tastes. Some Retsina wines are made with a higher concentration of resin and thus have a stronger earthy and pine-like aroma, while others are more subtle.

Retsina is an ideal match for a variety of Greek dishes such as seafood, grilled vegetables, and rich meat dishes like soutzoukakia (Greek meatballs) or kleftiko (oven-roasted lamb shanks). It pairs well with garlic, lemon, and other citrus flavors, and is also a perfect pairing with traditional Greek dishes like tzatziki, Greek salads and spanakopita (spinach pie).

In recent years, Retsina has seen a surge in popularity due to a growing interest in natural winemaking practices, and the rise of organic and biodynamic wines. In fact, many winemakers in Greece are now using old-school techniques to preserve the true taste and flavor of their wines. This includes using local grapes and natural fermentation processes, along with the addition of pine resin.

Overall, Retsina is an incredibly unique and flavorful wine that offers a taste of Greek culture right in your glass. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Retsina is definitely worth a try. With its distinctive pine flavor and aroma, it is a true taste of Greece that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients:

1 gallon (3.8 liters) of white wine (Savatiano grapes)

1 pound (450 grams) of pine resin

1 clean and sterilized glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid

Directions:

1. Start by collecting and cleaning your pine resin. You can buy it at specialty food stores or harvest it from a pine tree yourself.

2. Once you have your pine resin, place it in a plastic bag and hit it with a hammer to break it into small pieces.

3. In a clean and sterilized glass jar or container, pour in the white wine and add the pine resin pieces.

4. Close the jar tightly and shake it to dissolve the resin pieces in the wine.

5. Place the jar in a dark and cool place, away from direct sunlight, and let it rest for about two weeks.

6. After two weeks, open the jar and filter the wine through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any remaining resin particles.

7. You can enjoy your homemade Retsina wine immediately or bottle it and let it age for a few months to develop more complex flavors.

8. Serve your Retsina wine chilled and pair it with Greek dishes like roasted lamb, grilled octopus, or feta cheese.

• Greek