Aoton Lola Retsina Rosé 2020

Aoton Winery produces this organic rosé under PGI Retsina of Peania, near Athens, from the red Mandilaria and white Savatiano varieties. It revives Retsina, the ancient Greek practice of adding Aleppo pine resin to the must, a method that once preserved wine sealed in amphorae against oxygen and now defines a distinctive regional style. The resin gives the wine its signature pine and balsamic aromatics rather than any oak character. Eight months in oak barrels adds texture and a gentle oxidative lift. The vineyards sit on the warm Mesogeia plain, where Savatiano contributes freshness and Mandilaria the pink colour and structure. The wine pours a light copper pink. The nose is unmistakable, with pine and eucalyptus over dried strawberry, chamomile and a note of toasted almond and pine nut. The palate is dry and vibrant, with firm acidity, a savoury herbal core and a long resinous finish. Serve chilled at around 9 to 11 degrees. Its herbal grip suits grilled fish, mezze and roast chicken with lemon.