Retsina
Retsina is a Greek white wine to which a little Aleppo pine resin is added during production. This gives the wine a fresh, spicy aroma reminiscent of pine needles. You may know it from holidays or from the Greek restaurant around the corner.
More from Greece and related wines
Retsina belongs on the Greek table, just like ouzo and Metaxa. We have a dedicated page about these drinks and about white wine in general.
White wine
How white wine is made, what styles there are, and what temperature to serve it at.
About white wine →
Dry white wine
Looking for a fresh white without resin? Here you’ll find the classic dry styles.
About dry white wine →
An old tradition in a modern bottle
In ancient times, the Greeks sealed their amphorae with pine resin to keep air from reaching the wine. The resin gave the wine a distinctive flavor, and that flavor remained popular even after the amphora had long been replaced by the bottle. Today, winemakers deliberately add a small amount of Aleppo pine resin to the must during fermentation. After fermentation, they remove the resin again. What remains is the aroma and flavor.
Retsina is protected in the European Union as a traditional Greek designation. Most retsina is made from savatiano, a white Greek grape widely grown around Athens, sometimes blended with roditis. The Attica region around Athens is considered the heart of retsina. For a long time, retsina had the image of a simple holiday wine. Today, some Greek winemakers also produce more refined versions, with less resin and more focus on the grape.
In brief
Retsina at Gall & Gall
Gall & Gall has one retsina: Dionysos. If you want to try more Greek flavors, you can turn to ouzo and Metaxa.
Dionysos Retsina
A retsina made according to tradition, with pine resin. Round and soft in flavor, with the characteristic resin aroma. It pairs particularly well with Greek cuisine.
Ouzo is the anise-flavored drink you have with meze in Greece. Add a splash of water and it turns white and cloudy.
Metaxa is the famous Greek drink made from brandy and muscat wine, enjoyed slowly after the meal.
Fresh white wine with a hint of pine forest
Resin & pine needles
The first thing you smell is the resin: a fresh, herbal scent of pine needles, with lemon, apple and some herbs underneath.
Fresh and spicy
Much retsina is dry and fresh, with mild acidity. Dionysos is somewhat rounder and softer. The resin gives it a slight bitterness that works well with rich and salty food.
Spicy
The pine scent lingers for a while. The colder you serve the wine, the fresher and subtler the resin.
Flavor profile of Dionysos Retsina. A crisp, dry retsina scores lower on sweetness and higher on freshness.
How to serve retsina
Ice-cold, in a simple glass, and always with food on the table.
At 6 to 8 degrees
Retsina is best served well chilled. This keeps the resin fresh and the flavor balanced. Put the bottle in the refrigerator for a few hours. On a warm day, an ice bucket next to it doesn't hurt.
More about wine temperature →Like in the taverna
In Greek tavernas, retsina often arrives at the table in a metal jug, and you drink it from a small, simple glass. At home, a small wine glass or a tumbler works just as well.
To the glasses →Drink young
Retsina is made to be drunk young and fresh. Don't keep it for years, and drink an opened bottle within a few days. With a stopper in the refrigerator, it will keep well.
To the bottle →Retsina at the table
Retsina was made for Greek cuisine. The resin and freshness cut through olive oil, garlic and salt.
Small bites
Tzatziki, taramosalata, olives, feta and stuffed vine leaves.
From the grill
Grilled sardines, squid, fried small fish or a whole fish from the grill.
Greek grilled dishes
Souvlaki, gyros, meatballs and lamb with lemon and oregano.
From the oven
Greek salad, grilled aubergine and courgette, and spanakopita.
The right glass for retsina
Retsina doesn't require a complicated glass. A small wine glass keeps it cool. If you want to serve it just like in the taverna, use a simple tumbler. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything else you wanted to know about retsina
Can't find your question here? Read more about ouzo or get in touch.
To ouzo →What is retsina?
What does retsina taste like?
Why is there resin in retsina?
How much alcohol does retsina contain?
How cold should you drink retsina, and which glass should you use?
What do you eat with retsina?
Buy retsina
Want the bottle at home right away? Order retsina online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of October 9, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can find the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. Under 18, no alcohol.