FRANTZI | Retsina | 2022
rhoditis

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Today we are going to review a wine that is vinified in a style that we’ve avoided for some reasons – Retsina 2022 by Frantzi. Retsina is a traditional greek wine, who’s reputation, which is not always positive, had long overshadowed that of other distinguished greek wines and appellations – one of the reasons why we have also avoided this wine style for so long. Retsina wines are produced by adding the natural resin extracted from pinus halepensis trees (commonly known as Aleppo Pine) during fermentation. Once the aroma has been infused into the wine, the resin is then removed. Retsina wines are mostly produced from savvatiano and rhoditis grape varieties. According to archaeological finds and countless written accounts regarding its production, Retsina, or “retinitis oenos” as it was called in antiquity, has been steadily produced for thousands of years. The wine we are reviewing today is a single-varietal rhoditis wine from Greece, more precisely from the Achaia region in the northwest coast of Peloponnese. But enough theory, that said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to our tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: straw-white color
clarity: pale yellow hues

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & resinous
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine captivates with its pronounced resinous character, where nuances of pine tree and cypress tree take center stage. The foreground unveils a dominant presence of resin and herbs, with the resinous notes imparting a unique depth, reminiscent of fir tree, while herbal undertones, reminiscent of nettle, thyme and rosemary, contribute to the overall aromatic sophistication. The background remains unobtrusive, allowing the resinous foreground to take the spotlight, yet some subtle hints of hay, daffodil and currant leaf can be detected.

//Palate
sweetness: off dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: fair
finish: long | aftertaste: zesty-crisp

On the palate, the wine reveals a captivating tapestry of flavors that elevates the tasting experience. The bright acidity takes center stage, gracefully orchestrating a symphony of ripe citrus fruits and fresh herbs. Those herbal nuances contribute to a subtle aromatic complexity, thus enhancing the overall flavour profile. The wine’s mouthfeel feels rich and insistent, delivering an extremely nuanced, and even dominant, resinous forefront, with a touch of alcoholic warmth that adds more structure. The finish is marked by a slightly aggressive resinous aftertaste, which leaves a distinctive impression on the palate.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now | do not age
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a well made wine that lacks elegance and finesse

Overall, this is a refreshingly zesty and crisp wine that displays a nicely made Retsina with a distinct freshness on the palate. The pronounced resinous profile adds a unique dimension to the overall tasting experience. However, while the wine exudes a lively vibrancy and expressive character on both, the nose and palate, it lacks harmony and balance on the mouthfeel. The angular and slightly sharp feel on the palate detracts from the overall enjoyment, making it evident that the resinous profile, although distinctive, could be more seamlessly integrated. Despite this, the wine’s refreshing and zesty qualities make it an intriguing choice for those who appreciate a nuanced and resinous expression.

//Scoring
FRANTZI | Retsina | 2022
variety: rhoditis
country: Greece | Peloponnese
region: Achaia PGI
rating: 91.0
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This is definitely a nice wine of Greece and with a total of 91.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s refreshing crispness, pronounced resinous character and slightly rough nature, we would recommend pairing it with an indulgent truffle risotto. The wine’s bright acidity and zesty aftertaste will beautifully complement the creamy richness of the risotto, while the wine’s herbal notes will enhance the earthy flavours of the truffle. In the same key, the angular nature of the wine’s palate will provide a delightful contrast to the velvety texture of the risotto, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. To elevate the pairing, consider garnishing the truffle risotto with fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, adding an extra layer of complexity that resonates with the wine’s herbal profile. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.