Retsina Meets Rose: A Bold Blend That Defies Tradition

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: A retsina that dares to blend with rose, crafting a wine that’s equal parts curious and compelling. The Aoton Lola 2020 is a retsina made from 74% Mandilaria and 26% Savatiano, but its character is anything but conventional. This isn’t your average Greek wine—it’s a collision of styles that challenges expectations. The nose opens with a bouquet of dried woody winter herbs: rosemary, sage, and even the faint whisper of Christmas stuffing. With air, it evolves into cranberry, strawberry, and blood orange, balancing tartness with a surprising sweetness. The finish is spicy but fleeting, carrying white pepper and sweet cinnamon notes that linger like a holiday memory.

This wine is full-bodied and juicy, with an earthy backbone that grounds its fruit-forward character. The sage-infused aromatics and cranberry brightness make it a contender for the Christmas Pinot crown, though it’s far more unconventional. Tasting blind, I’d have guessed it was a lighter, funky South African Cinsault—proof that this blend succeeds in hiding its roots. Retsina’s reputation for being polarizing is well-earned, but this version feels like a conversation between two stubborn traditions. It’s not about winning popularity contests; it’s about provoking thought.

The Aoton Lola 2020 thrives on its contradictions. It’s a retsina that drinks like a rose, yet retains the mineral edge that defines its heritage. Its aromatic complexity and structured finish make it a standout in a category often dismissed as niche. For those who crave the unexpected, this is a wine that rewards curiosity.

Would you trade a holiday classic for a wine that defies tradition? Share your take in the comments.