Denise Eleftheriou, The Designer
Fashion designers would perhaps not be the first to think of as consumers of retsina... And indeed: experience shows that there is a lot of work to be done among some of the potential consumers of this Greek wine – the willingness to welcome, however, it exists and is acknowledged.
"Some of the Greek winemakers can do wonders – personally, I'd be happy to try anything new they have to offer."
THE CHARM OF THE UNEXPECTED.
Some might have thought that a fashion designer wouldn't be the first person to come to mind when the conversation turned to retsina. They would probably be right - you see, the "sinful" past of retsina (far from the new generation of wines in this category, which are changing the track because of the way they are produced, but also thanks to the taste with which the younger winemakers make them) and the bad marketing of the product to date are responsible for the negative image formed by a portion of the consumer public. And yet: even a designer can have some experience with retsina – even if it is a completely unexpected experience, as it happens in the case of the acclaimed Thessalonican designer Denise Eleftheriou.

"The truth is that retsina is not present in my daily life" she confesses. "It is a wine that, unfortunately, has passed into the subconscious - mine as well, but I believe also of a significant part of the world - as 'low quality'. The fact, however, that Greek wines have risen very high in my taste expectations has made me forget the simple and humble retsina, which does not show the same signs of evolution...".
And yet: the unexpected is hidden where you least expect it: "A certain retsina, 'Malamatina', I have combined it with my grandfather, who was a painter, lived in Alexandroupolis and was the one who drew the well-known little man with the key in her label" reveals the well-known designer. "What I also remember from my childhood is that a small amount of retsina in a glass of Coca Cola was the only drink I was allowed at the holiday tables. Glad Tidings, of course, because I felt that I was doing something out of the ordinary... Maybe it was the first drink that made me understand how good a combination of food and wine is".
QUOD ERAT DEMONSTRANDUM.
What would it take for someone who has the wrong idea about this wine to try retsina? How should it prove its worth and its Greek character?
"Retsina could perhaps be a very fine drink, with many applications, even in cocktails" emphasizes Denise Eleftheriou. "Unfortunately, I know little about the efforts of Greek winemakers to highlight it and raise its quality... I agree, however, that the combination of the vine with the pine resin is excellent as an idea, inventive and Greek. Having great faith in the abilities of Greek winemakers, I believe that some of them can do real wonders – personally, as a wine lover, I would be happy to try anything new they have to offer''.
A wine that would be “reinvented” – but aimed at which audience? In this area, judging by the answer of the Thessalonican designer, there is still a lot of work to be done: "In my eyes, the audience of retsina would combine the working class with the students of past decades. I don't think today's students drink retsina – they think of it as a drink for older people,'' she says.
WINE, THE HEALER.
"I believe that wine, in general, plays a very important role in all aspects of our lives" concludes Denise Eleftheriou. “It accompanies almost all our moments – the happy ones, to add cheerfulness, but also the difficult ones, for relaxation and maybe to give some joy and comfort. For me, wine, good company with friends and good food is one of life's pleasures – personally, I seek these kinds of gatherings quite often. I just wish it had less weight gain consequences. I think I would actually enjoy it a lot more and without any regrets if it didn't have the known consequences…”.
Choose the interest you want and discover the route that suits:α