It's been a very long time since I drank any Retsina. Mostly people turn their noses up at the very mention of the word 'Retsina', but I rather like it; it takes me back to my few wonderful weeks spent on Kos back in the early 80's.
We had guests for New Year's day, so Lady M decided to make a big Moussaka. A classic one pot meal that usually pleases all. I decided that the bottle of Retsina should accompany it, along with other wines for those whose noses had gone skywards.
I love Moussaka. It's something I very rarely make myself because of the time and number of ingredients involved; however, Lady M is more patient and made a beauty.
The one phrase I learned in Greek was 'A bottle of Retsina please', and I can still remember it. That shows how much I valued it.
The only disappointing part of the meal was the Retsina, it tasted simply like white wine; that distinctive resin flavour was totally missing.
Never mind, I shall have to return to Greece if I want to taste the real thing again.
I love Moussaka but haven't had it for a long time. I must make it when aubergines are in season.
ReplyDeleteLady M made a belter! It was the first we'd had for ages.
DeleteI think my nose may possibly have risen a little at Retsina. Sorry Cro!
ReplyDeleteMost people's do, but this was just very ordinary white wine.
DeleteI don't think I have ever drunk retsina. I like moussaka but have never made it myself. The supermarket ready-meal ones are excellent for one person.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's as popular now, but it used to be the standard drink in Greek Tavernas.
DeleteI often make moussaka. If all the ingredients are at home it is very easy. I also miss Greece and all the wonderful things there.
ReplyDeleteLady M's was very good. I don't have the patience.
DeleteSad that the Retsina was less than exciting!
ReplyDeleteLIDL were doing it last year during a Greek themed food week.... in crown corked bottles? Wot.... but it was the real McCoy... lovely resin niff and follow through, too!
Possibly the Greeks have two "Retsinas", the proper "home" one that you were expecting and a more commercial "international" white wine.... though I can't think why.... the people who would buy it off the shelf, surely are people who know what to expect.
Sure the label didn't say bottled in China??
The Retsina I drank in Greece always had those beer type tops; no corks.
DeleteWell done Cro family. That's a classic brand of retsina. I haven't had any in years. No tavernas have it any more and sometimes you can't find it in the supermarket. Even the locals who make wine don't add resin to the barrel . I remember the first glass was always the worst and then it flowed easily down the throat. It was very good for counteracting the fat in lamb or pork. The only other wine you could get in the 70s was domestica. Non resinated in a glass bottle. For those with deeper pockets . Retsina always came in a jug.
ReplyDeleteAnd with a good moussaka , the ultimate Greek experience. I wouldn't mind a meal with moussaka and retsina right now.
Meet you on Kos this summer?
Ps I'm going to buy a bottle of kourtaki and see if it has that resin flavour here
DeleteWell, I'm pleased to hear that it's a well known brand. I wonder if they made an 'acceptable' version just for foreigners?
DeleteI don't think that I've ever tasted Retsina. I like moussaka but, I'm not a great lover of aubergines. I think it's because I'm not very good at cooking them. BUT, I would never not eat them if I was presented with them ! XXXX
ReplyDeleteI love Aubergines; I bought two this morning. I often slice them, carve a few criss-cross slashes into them, and fry in lots of olive oil. I then leave them to become tepid and eat for lunch. Delish.
DeleteOften the case with so-called national drinks.
ReplyDeleteQuite disappointing.
DeleteI came to enjoy retsina - a wine preserved with pine resin. It's not like any other wine. An acquired taste.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was hoping for, but it turned out to be just very ordinary white wine.
DeleteCro, you don't think it is to bring Euros into the country. Their finances are in a mess, Retsina-minus will be easier to make and market to people who haven't experienced the real thing.... and, theye will probably be resin in the commercial version.... one coffeeespoonful per 1000 litres or something.... just so that they can declare, truthfully, that resin is present!!
DeleteWe spent a delightful 9 days in Greece sometime in the past 20 years. I'd go back anytime.
ReplyDeleteThe small islands are delightful. I'd love to go back.
DeleteThe Moussaka sounds delicious. I've never made it but love it at a Greek restaurant.
ReplyDeleteI love it. It's probably my favourite Greek dish.
DeleteUnfortunately I've never been to Greece and I've never tasted Retsina. I love moussaka although it's a good few years since I made one. I remember making a "courgettesaka" one day when I discovered I no aubergines. Good it was too!
ReplyDeleteIf you're not an aficionado retsina is probably best avoided. That taste of Pine resin is not everyone's cup of tea.
DeleteAhhh, a new reason to travel.
ReplyDeleteIf it was needed!
DeleteI haven't made moussaka for probably 6 years. I don't mind the process, but it is not anything to be hurried.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a 'home-made' one for even longer.
DeleteShame about the Retsina, you'll just have to hop over to Greece and get a new supply.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'll have to!
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