Savatiano

Savatiano is a white grape native to Greece, where it is used in varietal and blends. It was mostly used for unimpressive and bland table wines and the somewhat infamous Greek retsina—wine flavored with pine tree resin. Savatiano is still one of the most popular varieties, but producers now usually turn to quality rather than quantity.

By choosing cooler sites and earlier harvesting, winemakers allow the grape to retain acidity. Along with this shift, varietal Savatiano has become more prominent on the market. Dry Savatiano wines have citrus, apple, and floral notes, along with medium-body and medium to low acidity.

Mineral and herbaceous notes are also common. Some producers experiment with skin-contact wines and oak, showing that Savatiano can create wines of great character that are rich and creamy, with juicy yellow fruit nuances. Depending on their style, dry Savatiano wines can be paired with lighter and more complex dishes.

They are best served with seafood, white meat, vegetable dishes, and Mediterranean specialties. This is a great wine to pair with classic Greek dishes. Savatiano probably originated in Attica, and its name stems from savvato, meaning Saturday.