Restina - love it?

Retsina, or Ρετσίνα as it is written in Greek, is a wine of character.  Strong character.  It has notes of pine resin, one of its ingredients.  Pine resin?  Why, yes.  Resin from the Pinus halapensis, to be exact. The Pinus halapensis, or Aleppo pine, is grown through the circum-Mediterraean world, including Syria, Lebanon, and Greece. 

The whole point of the pine resin was to seal the amphorae (left) in which the wines were shipped.  The resin was placed across the wide-mouth of the jar, and also added flavor to the wine.  Now, it is placed into the wine, itself, as an additive.  It helps in preservation, as well as adding its distinctive flavor. 

The pine flavors are joined by lemon verbena, thyme, and eucalyptus - all pretty strong!  Retsina drinks very well with food, and I think it would be excellent with a plate of grilled sardines.  It would also pair well with two Jet items:  beet salad with walnuts and goat cheese, or Greek Manori cheese with pistachio and honey.  The Manori uses goat’s and sheep’s milk and is very fresh, and very sharp.  It is a great contrast to the Retsina. 

Currently served on Jet’s by-the-glass menu.