The reviewer should taste the $6/glass Retsina before complimenting its inclusion on the menu. It tastes like pine tar and is virtually undrinkable, but that should not be surprising for a glass of wine Taverna pays less than $1.50/glass for.

QUOTE: The reviewer should taste the $6/glass Retsina before complimenting its inclusion on the menu. It tastes like pine tar and is virtually undrinkable,

Retsina tastes like turpentine. It is a resinated white wine that only the Greeks have an appreciation for. Horrible stuff.

@R
Thanks for sharing the scoop with Lawman.
Yes retsina is a pine resin infused wine which has been made that way for over 2000 years. The name actually comes from the Latin word for resin. Criticizing the resin taste in retsina is like saying you don’t beer because it has a flavor of hops.

It is really good.
The food is excellent.
My family loved the food and the people.

Back in the early days of Greek enology, the resin was initially incorporated as a means of preserving the wine from spoilage.

The use of glass bottles, corks and proper storage techniques have pretty much negated the need for resin as a preservative measure.

In any event, the Greeks must have acquired a keen taste for this stuff over the centuries...to the majority of modern-day wine drinkers, retsina would be totally unacceptable as a drinkable beverage.

Try some and let us know your thoughts.


QUOTE:Criticizing the resin taste in retsina is like saying you don’t beer because it has a flavor of hops.

That comparison is a bit extreme as the infusion of hops varies with the brewmaster.
Besides, most mainstream American beers are kind of on the 'watery' side to begin with.

Retsina is Pine-Sol disguised as a wine.

Retsina... aah, memories of a sojourn on Corfu so many many years ago...

Taverna is truly a gem and a fabulous addition to the dining scene on the Peninsula! Not only is the food skilfully prepared and creatively presented, but the best thing about this place is that you feel genuinely welcome and as if you have come “home”.
Rumor has it that they are now open for lunch...grab yourself a reservation as quickly as you can!