What type of wine is Retsina?

Retsina is classified as a white wine, which is a distinctive type of wine traditionally produced in Greece. Its unique characteristic comes from the addition of pine resin during the fermentation process, giving it a particular aromatic quality and flavor profile that sets it apart from other white wines. This resin, historically used to seal wine jars, imparts a notable pine or herbal aroma.

While white wine is the correct choice, other types like red, rosé, and sparkling do not apply in this case. Red wines are made from dark-skinned grape varieties, rosé wines are typically a blend of red and white grapes or have limited skin contact, and sparkling wines undergo a second fermentation to create carbonation. Retsina’s defining qualities and production method firmly place it within the realm of white wines, showcasing the diverse styles that can emerge from different winemaking traditions.