Roditis: Greece's Most Overlooked Indigenous White Grape

When people think of Greece's great indigenous grape varieties, names like Assyrtiko and Xinomavro usually come to mind. Yet one of the country's most widely planted native grapes remains surprisingly under the radar.

Roditis is Greece's second most planted indigenous variety after Savatiano. Together, the two account for almost one-third of the country's vineyards, making Roditis one of the foundations of Greek viticulture. Despite this, it remains one of Greece's least explored grapes outside the country.

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What is Roditis?

Roditis is an indigenous Greek grape variety grown across several regions of mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. Although traditionally vinified as a white wine, the grape is naturally pink-skinned, making it particularly versatile for modern winemaking.

Historically, Roditis was widely used in the production of Retsina, which led many people to underestimate its quality. Today, a new generation of producers is revealing a far more exciting side of the variety through lower yields, careful vineyard management and minimal intervention winemaking.

What Does Roditis Taste Like?

Well-made Roditis produces wines with freshness, subtle aromatics and impressive versatility.

Depending on the winemaking approach, you can expect notes of:

• Lemon and grapefruit

• Pear and white peach

• White flowers

• Fresh herbs

• Mineral freshness

• Bright, lively acidity

  
  

Because the grape has naturally pink skins, some producers are also experimenting with skin contact and field blends, creating wines with extra texture, complexity and character.

Roditis in Modern Greek Wine

One of the most exciting developments in Greek wine is seeing familiar indigenous grapes used in new ways.

Rather than producing simple everyday whites, producers are blending Roditis with other native varieties or using low-intervention techniques to highlight its freshness and individuality.

The result is a style of wine that feels distinctly modern while remaining deeply rooted in Greek vineyards.

Discover Roditis Through Hippie Pét-Nat Rosé

At Pale Ruby Wine, our current expression of Roditis is Hippie Pét-Nat Rosé from The Knack Project in Attica.

Made as a field blend of Savatiano, Mouchtaro and Roditis from old vines, this naturally sparkling rosé is bottled before fermentation is complete, creating delicate bubbles and a vibrant, unfiltered expression of place. Only 396 bottles were produced, making it one of the winery's rarest releases.

Roditis contributes freshness, citrus character and elegance to the blend, complementing the red fruit of Mouchtaro and the texture of Savatiano.

Expect flavours of:

• Strawberry

• Pomegranate

• Peach

• Pear

• Bergamot

• Gentle natural fizz

• Crisp, refreshing finish

  
  

Shop Hippie Pét-Nat Rosé: https://shop.palerubywine.com/products/the-knack-project-hippie-pet-nat-rose-2026

Why Roditis Deserves More Attention

Roditis is a perfect example of why Greek wine is so exciting today. A grape once associated with everyday wines is now being reinterpreted by ambitious producers who are revealing its freshness, versatility and ability to contribute to distinctive, terroir-driven wines.

As more wine lovers discover Greece's indigenous grape varieties, Roditis is steadily earning the recognition it deserves—not because it's rare, but because it has so much more to offer than its reputation suggests.

At Pale Ruby Wine, we're proud to champion wines like Hippie Pét-Nat Rosé, helping introduce UK wine lovers to the diversity and originality of modern Greek wine.