Description

PRODUCER:
One of the pioneers of the modern Greek wine revolution, Gaia Estate was established in 1994 by Greek winemakers Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos. Operating from two different wineries in the important wine-growing regions of Nemea and Santorini, they have earned a reputation for making cutting-edge wines. Gaia’s main aim is to explore the boundaries and present the potential of the indigenous Greek grape varieties to wine enthusiasts worldwide.

VINEYARD:
The traditional Appellation for Retsina can be made anywhere in Greece, typically from Savatiano, which is a high-yielding, neutral-flavoured white variety. Ritintis Nobilis represents a courageous reinterpretation of the oft-maligned Retsina style and is made from high-quality Roditis grapes. This Ritintis Nobilis cuvée is made from low-yielding vines, which are grown in cool-climate, north-facing hillside vineyards located in the village of Koutsi in Korinthia. This area is renowned for producing high-quality grapes, which translate into elegant wines with a smooth, lemony character.

WINEMAKING:
The Roditis grapes were meticulously selected, harvested and pressed immediately on arrival at the winery. Classic white vinification followed by fermentation taking place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. A carefully calculated quantity of resin from the Pinus Halepensis variety was added to the must, imparting the resulting wine with its distinctive flavour. When fermentation had finished, the wine was drawn off, leaving the resin remaining at the bottom of the tank, resulting in a wine in perfect balance.

VINTAGE:
An average year from all perspectives. Wet weather in May and at the end of August, combined with high temperatures in between the two, led to an average yield quantity-wise. The wines are rounded and show lovely, delicate aromatics.

TASTING NOTE:
A refreshing Retsina with a lovely balance of floral and citrus notes with characteristic pine needles. The citrus expression creates a fusion with the delicate and aromatic pine resin on equal terms, through to a tangy finish.

GRAPES:
Roditis 100%.