Hatziyiannis Spyros Retsina

Hatziyiannis Spyros Retsina is a Greek Retsina wine made from Roditis grapes, bottled at 750ml with an ABV in the 1112.5% range typical of the style. What distinguishes this expression is its remarkably restrained use of pine resin at just 12 parts per thousand, allowing the fruit character of the grape to remain at the forefront rather than being overpowered by resinous intensity.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~12% | Origin: Santorini, Greece | Style: Retsina (Resinated White Wine) | Winery: Spyros Hatziyiannis

Production & Heritage

Spyros Hatziyiannis operates from Santorini, one of Greece’s most celebrated winemaking islands. The Retsina is produced from Roditis grapes, which are picked, pressed, and then the clarified must is fermented in temperature-controlled tanks held between 1820C. Small quantities of natural pine resin are introduced during active fermentation at a concentration of just 12 parts per thousand substantially lower than many commercial Retsinas. Once fermentation concludes, the resin is physically removed from the wine, leaving behind its aromatic imprint without heavy-handed bitterness. This controlled approach yields a modern, refined take on one of Greece’s most ancient wine traditions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright citrus lemon zest and grapefruit followed by ripe pear and green apple. Behind the fruit sits an elegant whisper of fresh pine resin, resinous but never harsh, lending an herbal, almost Mediterranean-garrigue quality.

Taste: The entry is crisp and mouthwatering, with citrus and stone fruit flavors meeting the palate first. At mid-palate, a gentle piney warmth emerges alongside a mineral undercurrent that speaks to the volcanic terroir of Santorini. The overall impression is dry, lean, and refreshing with admirable balance between fruit and resin.

Finish: Medium in length with a saline, slightly piney close that invites the next sip. The lingering note is more mineral and citrus than resinous, keeping the finish clean and appetizing.

How to Drink Spyros Retsina

This Retsina drinks beautifully chilled to around 810C, served in a standard white wine glass to let the pine and citrus aromatics develop. It also excels as a versatile ingredient in wine-based cocktails and long drinks.

• Retsina Spritz: Combine with soda water and a splash of elderflower liqueur the pine resin pairs naturally with floral and herbal elements.
• Greek Sangria: Use as the white wine base with sliced peaches, citrus, and a measure of ouzo for an Aegean twist on the classic.
• Pine & Tonic: Pour over ice with premium tonic and a sprig of rosemary the resinous character amplifies the botanical notes in the tonic.

Best For

• Serving alongside a Greek mezze spread of grilled octopus, feta, and olives
• Introducing friends to authentic Retsina beyond mass-market versions
• Summer patio drinking when a bone-dry, aromatic white is called for
• Gifting someone who appreciates rare or traditional Mediterranean wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Spyros Retsina taste like? It delivers bright citrus and pear flavors with a delicate pine resin accent and a dry, saline finish. The resin is present but elegantly restrained, allowing the Roditis grape’s natural fruit character to lead.

How does Spyros Retsina compare to Malamatina Retsina? Malamatina is Greece’s most widely distributed commercial Retsina, produced on a large industrial scale with Savatiano grapes. Hatziyiannis Spyros Retsina uses Roditis grapes and a notably low resin concentration of 12 parts per thousand, resulting in a more fruit-forward, less aggressively piney profile.

Is Spyros Retsina good for sipping on its own? Yes its balanced fruit-to-resin ratio and crisp acidity make it a genuinely enjoyable sipper when served well chilled, particularly for those who find traditional Retsinas too heavily resinated.

Where is Spyros Retsina made? It is produced by the Spyros Hatziyiannis winery located on the island of Santorini, Greece. Santorini is renowned for its volcanic soils and mineral-driven white wines.

What foods pair well with Spyros Retsina? Grilled seafood, especially shrimp and branzino, complement its citrus and saline character. Spanakopita and other phyllo-wrapped dishes match its crispness. Marinated white anchovies echo its brininess. Hummus and warm pita benefit from the wine’s refreshing acidity. Hard, salty cheeses like aged kefalotyri create a satisfying contrast.

What sizes does Spyros Retsina come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Spyros Retsina worth the price? It positions as a premium artisanal Retsina, a step above mass-market bottlings in both production care and flavor complexity. For drinkers seeking a refined take on this traditional Greek style, the quality-to-value ratio is strong.

Why Spyros Retsina?

This wine’s defining trait is its precise, minimal use of pine resin at just 12 parts per thousand, it applies one of the lightest resin touches available in the category, a deliberate winemaking choice that shifts the balance toward varietal expression. The Roditis grape, fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel, delivers clean fruit tones that many industrial Retsinas sacrifice for resinous punch. Produced on Santorini, the wine carries a mineral backbone shaped by the island’s volcanic terroir. For anyone curious about Retsina beyond the commodity tier, the Hatziyiannis bottling demonstrates that this ancient style can be both traditional and genuinely refined.