Patistis – Retsinalism NV

The Retsinalism from Patistis Wines is a Retsina produced entirely from Assyrtiko – already unusual, since Savatiano is the variety most commonly associated with Retsina. Hailing from Argalasti on the Pelion peninsula in Thessaly, this is a skin-contact wine with 40 days of maceration and aging in old French oak barrels, making it firmly an orange wine. You need to get this wine if you are into orange wine. Others might be too shocked by the rather austere nose – metallic and a bit tomato-like. And then the tannins – like a red Negoska! At a very good 87 points on average across our tasting team, it clearly divided opinions. Some just don't get it, even though the label clearly demands: "embrace our vision"! Tasted alongside several other Retsinas – including the more subtle Mylonas Retsina (89 points) and the intense Nestor Retsina (87 points) – the Retsinalism stands out as the most unconventional of the bunch, leaning heavily into the orange wine aesthetic rather than the classic pine-resin profile.