Roditis Wines

Color: Pinkish
Types of wines: White, Retsina
Categories: P.D.O. Patra, PDO Anchialos, PDO Slopes of Melitona

Roditis is a pink-skinned grape variety indigenous to Greece and a key component in creating a variety of white wines, including the renowned retsina. Despite its pink hue, a unique vinification process yields white wines, making it a distinct and versatile variety that is used for single varietal wines as well as for different blends.

Roditis thrives throughout mainland Greece, but is predominantly grown in the vineyards of Patras in the Peloponnese region, which is celebrated as the leading producer of this variety. The grape's adaptability to the Mediterranean climate, especially the diurnal temperature shifts and poor, well-drained soils found at higher altitudes, contribute significantly to the quality and character of the wines it produces.

These robust wines often exhibit a medium to full-bodied texture, accompanied by notable acidity. Typical flavour profiles range from simple, fresh, and young with hints of citrus and green apple, to complex and sweet when grown in higher altitude vineyards. The latter is marked by a rich aromatic palette of apple, pineapple, melon, pear, and white flowers, complemented by subtler notes of banana and citrus. Despite its widespread cultivation and its standing as one of Greece's most abundant white-wine grape varieties, Roditis is often referred to as a humble grape. This is likely due to its use in producing modest, everyday wines. However, under the right conditions, this grape variety can yield wines of exceptional quality, offering excellent value for money.

The best expressions of Roditis are found in the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Patras wines, the PDO Anchilaos and PDO Slopes of Meliton whites, and a host of PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) wines. Today's premium Roditis wines showcase clear, lemony or mineral aromas (depending on the producing region), a light to medium body, and refreshing acidity. These attributes lend the wines a 'European' character and a flexibility that pairs well with various dishes. Despite being one of the least explored Greek varieties, Roditis offers wine lovers the opportunity to discover the potential and diversity of contemporary Greek wines. We invite you to explore our carefully selected Roditis wines below, or contact us for our recommendations based on you specific tastes.