retsina: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-FrequencyFormal / Specialist
Quick answer
What does “retsina” mean?
A Greek white (or rosé) wine flavored with pine resin, giving it a distinctive, strong aroma and taste.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Greek white (or rosé) wine flavored with pine resin, giving it a distinctive, strong aroma and taste.
Beyond the literal drink, the word can evoke associations with Greek culture, tourism, Mediterranean cuisine, and sometimes an acquired taste due to its unique flavor profile.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical; it is a loanword for a specific Greek product. Familiarity may be slightly higher in the UK due to closer geographic and tourist ties to Greece.
Connotations
Conveys authenticity, Greek tavernas, holiday memories, and strong, distinctive flavor. Can have negative connotations for those who dislike the resinous taste.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English but appears in contexts discussing food, drink, travel, or Mediterranean culture.
Grammar
How to Use “retsina” in a Sentence
drink [retsina]serve [retsina] with [meze]flavour [wine] with [pine resin] to make retsinaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retsina” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The retsina-flavoured olives were an interesting accompaniment.
- He preferred a retsina-style homebrew.
American English
- The retsina-flavored olives were a unique side.
- He made a retsina-style homemade wine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of wine import/export, hospitality, or restaurant menus.
Academic
Appears in studies of viticulture, food anthropology, or Mediterranean cultural studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing holidays in Greece, dining at Greek restaurants, or trying unusual wines.
Technical
Specific term in oenology for a category of resinated wines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “retsina”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “retsina”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retsina”
- Pronouncing it as 'ret-SEE-nah' (stress is on the second syllable: ret-SEE-nə).
- Using it as a general term for any Greek wine.
- Misspelling as 'retsina', 'retsena'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While traditionally and most authentically Greek, the style of resinated wine can be produced elsewhere, but it is strongly associated with Greece.
The distinctive pine or turpentine-like flavour comes from the addition of Aleppo pine resin during the winemaking process, historically used to seal amphorae.
Yes, it is typically served well-chilled, which makes its strong, aromatic flavour more refreshing, especially with food.
Traditionally it was a rustic, everyday wine. Modern producers are creating higher-quality, more refined versions, but its unique taste means it remains a niche product.
A Greek white (or rosé) wine flavored with pine resin, giving it a distinctive, strong aroma and taste.
Retsina is usually formal / specialist in register.
Retsina: in British English it is pronounced /rɛtˈsiːnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɛtˈsiːnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As Greek as retsina (informal, emphasizing cultural authenticity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RETurn to GREECE in your memory with the Scent of pINE resINA.'
Conceptual Metaphor
TASTE IS A LANDSCAPE (The resinous flavor is often described as 'piney' or 'woody', mapping a taste to a smell from a natural environment).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of retsina?