The Unknown X of Retsina: The Significance of Sustainable Resin
Resin is not merely one of the two raw materials of retsina; it is its very essence. Είναι ο λόγος ύπαρξής της.
In synergy with the grape, resin creates an entire category of Greek wine: Retsina Appellation by Traditon. Despite its significance, resin remains the “unknown X” of winemaking.
Today, resin is exclusively produced using sulfuric acid paste, based on a process defined by the Royal Decree of 1968 on resin collection. Until recently, as far as we know, no one in modern times had attempted to produce retsina with resin harvested sustainably—by free flow from the tree, without the use of chemicals.
This was the driving idea behind the research we began with the 2020 harvest, aiming to explore whether and how resin production methods affect the character and quality of retsina. The results were remarkable: the wines we created exhibited distinct aromas and flavors, revealing an authentic character we had never encountered before.
Inspired by a time when grapes and resin were united in the most authentic way, we leverage today’s knowledge and capabilities to pave the way for the future of retsina.
