Papaioannoy Roditis Sauvignon Blanc
Last autumn E&M visited E’s family in Greece returned with many many bottles of Greek wine for us to try, including this 2015 Roditis Sauvignon Blanc by Papaioannoy.
I have had very limited experience with Greek wine before now. Limited in fact to pretty much just jugs of table wine from my brief trip to Athens. Those I would not recommend. I would however recommend the Papaioannoy Roditis Sauvignon Blanc.
Papaioannoy is an organic vineyard located in Corinthia where they grow grapes on the doorstep of history with vineyards located adjacent to the Temple of Zeus. Papaioannoy has 57 hectares planted in seven locations to take advantage of different soil make up and micro climates. They plant: Agiorgitiko, Cabernet Sauvignon, Roditis, Assyrtiko, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Touriga, 
Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, and Petit Verdot.
Papaioannoy Roditis Sauvignon Blanc Tasting Notes
Roditis (or Rhoditis) is the most widely planted white wine grape in Greece. Despite it being used for white wines, it is not a white grape. In fact it has pink-reddish skin. The wine it produces often has lemony or mineral aromas with zingy acidity.
The Papaioannoy Roditis Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied, refreshing wine with 13.5% abv. Pale, clear yellow in the glass the aroma profile was citrus, pears, tropical fruits, and citrus blossoms. On the palate it was crisp and dry, citrusy with subtle pear flavors and a honeyed finish.
For me this was bitter sweet as it were. The wine was lovely but we drank it at E&M’s going away party the evening before they left Turkey. Despite the sad memories now attached to the Papaioannoy Roditis Sauvignon Blanc I am eager to delve more deeply into Greek wines.