Aigialeia, in the northwestern Peloponnese, is among Greece’s most distinctive wine-growing regions. Set against the rugged terrain of the Panachaiko mountains, the area’s high elevations, northern exposure, steep, sloping vineyards and proximity to the Corinthian Gulf help moderate high temperatures, creating a growing environment unlike anything else in the Peloponnese. It is here that Michalis Kanakaris founded his eponymous winery in 1979, focusing on indigenous varieties Roditis, Sideritis and Mavro Kalavrytino grown on Aigialeia’s sandy, red/white clay soils. Today, Kanakaris is run by the third generation of Michalis’ family, with brothers Stefanos and Michalis taking over the reins in 2009. The Roditis grapes were harvested by hand and carefully selected in the vineyards, then transported in small crates to the winery. The fruit was destemmed and gently crushed before fermentation took place at low temperatures not exceeding 15°C in stainless steel tanks. Notos Retsina is made by co-fermenting a small amount of pine resin with Roditis to create a fresh, aromatic white with a lightly resinous texture. The wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation and there was no oak ageing, to preserve its delicate aromatics. This modern Retsina impresses with notes of white peach and lemon, alongside the unique aromatics and texture imparted by the pine resin. The finish is refreshing and crisp
