Wenlock Cellars
Domaine Papagiannakos Retsina, Mesogaia 2024
Domaine Papagiannakos Retsina, Mesogaia 2024
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Forget any preconceptions - this is Retsina as it should be!
Production
Produced from the Savatiano grape grown in the region of Markopoulo, Attica. This traditional style of Greek wine is thought to have begun with the storage and transportation of wine in clay jars sealed with resin. The resin would cover and protect the wine, but also impart a resinous, pine, character to it. These days classic white wine vinification is firstly carried out, then a few days after fermentation begins, small quantities of resin from the Aleppo Pine are put into cotton bags and added to the 150 hectolitre cooled, steel, tanks. The exact quantity of resin is a closely guarded family secret and the bags are removed once the precise level of flavour has been extracted. Papagianakos source their pine resion from a forest close to the domaine called Kouvras, and have been working with the same resin collector for many years.
Tasting notes
Balanced and true to a classic style, but not overly tannic or medicinal. The nose shows sweet pine, rosemary and thyme aromas. More pine is present on the palate, balanced with fresh citrus flavours and some weight and texture from the old vine Savatiano. Clean and refreshing with depth and character.
Food match
Drink with pan-fried fish or grilled lamb. Delicious with pork meatballs and braised fennel.
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ABV
12.5%
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Case/Bottle Size
6 x 75cl
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Region/Country
Attika, Greece
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Grape
Savatiano 100%
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Features
Vegetarian, Vegan
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Closure
Cork
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Winemaker
Vassilis Papagiannakos
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Appellation
Mesogaia
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Allergen info
Contains sulphites and no other allergens
Meet the Producer
Domaine Papagiannakos was established in 1919 in the heart of the plain of Mesogaia, Attica - just 30km from the shadow of the Acropolis. Third generation winemaker, Vassilis Papagiannakos, was born and bred in Markopoulo, and grew up around the family winery. At that time the Savatiano variety was the winery's sole focus - but later Malagouzia was introduced, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other varieties. Vassilis owns 10 hectares of vineyard in the Attica region, and maintains long-term leases on a further 20 hectares, with vines on average 50-60 years old. Rocky, sandy, clay topsoil nurtures low yielding bush vines - extremely limited irrigation is employed. The Papagiannakos family continues its traditions whilst bringing the winery into the 21st Century with a stunning and innovative bioclimatic winery.
A Note on Sustainability
In 2007 their state of the art bioclimatic winery was completed which saves energy in the wine-making process and is built to allow gravity to move wine from one part to another. They have moved to lighter weight bottles, use electric vehicles on the domaine and are taking steps to reduce their CO2 output as much as possible over the years to come. The pine used for their Retsina has been sourced from the same resion collector for many years and comes from forests located just 15 minutes drive from the domaine.
