Cavino Retsina

Cavino Retsina is a traditional Greek resinated white wine made from 100% Roditis grapes, bottled at 11% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Cavino Winery & Distillery — named Best Greek Wine Producer at the 2009 International Wine & Spirit Competition — this retsina delivers a balanced interplay of fresh pine resin and bright citrus that defines the classic Greek style.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Achaia, Peloponnese, Greece  |  Style: Retsina (Resinated White Wine)  |  Producer: Cavino Winery & Distillery

Production & Heritage

Cavino Winery & Distillery is based in Aigio, in the Prefecture of Achaia on the northern coast of the Peloponnese. The winery is one of Greece's most recognized producers of retsina, a wine style with roots stretching back thousands of years to when pine resin was used to seal amphorae. To produce this expression, Cavino ferments 100% Roditis grapes with selected yeasts at low temperatures, adding fresh Aleppo pine resin at approximately 0.2% during fermentation — a deliberately restrained proportion that integrates the resinous character without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with clear pine resin and mastic before giving way to ripe citrus fruit. A secondary layer of white-fleshed stone fruit and herbal complexity emerges as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is light and clean, with citrus and resin arriving together on the mid-palate. The low-temperature fermentation preserves a cool, elegant freshness that keeps the resinous notes in check. At its peak, ripe fruit and a subtle mineral quality balance the pine influence.

Finish: Medium in length with a crisp, slightly resinous close that lingers alongside citrus pith. The finish is refreshingly dry, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Cavino Retsina

Serve well chilled — between 6°C and 8°C — to highlight its freshness and keep the resin character balanced. Retsina is one of the few wines that genuinely thrives with a good chill.

• Spritzer: Top with chilled sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon for a low-ABV Greek summer drink that amplifies the citrus and pine notes.
• Retsina Sangria: Combine with sliced peaches, lemon, fresh herbs, and a splash of honey syrup — the resinous backbone gives a distinctive herbal twist to the classic formula.
• Greek Kalimotxo variation: Mix equal parts Cavino Retsina with tonic water and garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a simple aperitif that plays on the wine's piney aromatics.

Best For

• Pairing with a traditional Greek meze spread of grilled octopus, feta, and olives
• Introducing friends to authentic retsina without the harsh resin punch of older-style bottles
• Summer outdoor dining where a well-chilled, aromatic white keeps the table lively
• Exploring historic wine styles alongside other resinated or aromatized wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cavino Retsina taste like? Cavino Retsina has a light, elegant palate dominated by pine resin and citrus fruit, with a cool freshness that comes from low-temperature fermentation of Roditis grapes. The resin is present but restrained, making it approachable for newcomers to the style.

How does Cavino Retsina compare to Malamatina Retsina? Both Cavino and Malamatina are among the best-known retsina brands in Greece and internationally. Cavino uses 100% Roditis grapes and adds Aleppo pine resin at approximately 0.2% during fermentation, resulting in a profile that many drinkers find slightly more refined and fruit-forward than Malamatina's widely available expression.

Is Cavino Retsina good for beginners? Yes — the restrained resin addition of approximately 0.2% makes this a gentler introduction to retsina compared to more heavily resinated examples. Serving it very cold further smooths the pine character and emphasizes the citrus fruit.

Where is Cavino Retsina made? Cavino Retsina is produced by Cavino Winery & Distillery in Aigio, located in the Prefecture of Achaia on the northern Peloponnese coast of Greece. The region has a long tradition of winemaking and is known for the Roditis grape.

What foods pair well with Cavino Retsina? Grilled seafood, especially octopus or shrimp, pairs naturally with the wine's citrus and resin notes. Salty feta cheese and briny Kalamata olives complement the dry finish. Spanakopita and other savory phyllo pastries work well because the wine's acidity cuts through the richness. Lemon-dressed salads echo the citrus aromatics, and lightly herbed grilled chicken benefits from the pine and mastic undertones.

What sizes does Cavino Retsina come in? Cavino Retsina is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Cavino Retsina worth the price? Cavino Retsina sits firmly in the entry-level value tier, making it one of the most accessible ways to experience a well-made retsina from a producer recognized by the International Wine & Spirit Competition. For the category, it delivers consistent quality at a modest outlay.

Why Cavino Retsina?

Retsina is one of the world's oldest documented wine styles, and Cavino is one of a small number of producers that helped keep it visible on the international stage. The precise 0.2% Aleppo pine resin addition during controlled low-temperature fermentation reflects a modern, measured approach to a style that was once known for aggressive resinous character. Cavino's recognition as Best Greek Wine Producer at the 2009 International Wine & Spirit Competition underscores the winery's broader quality credentials. For drinkers seeking an authentic taste of Greek winemaking tradition without the rough edges of mass-market retsina, this bottle earns its reputation as a reliable benchmark.