Savatiano
Also known as Savvatiano
Attica, Greece
Greece's workhorse white, the grape of Attica and of traditional retsina: naturally low in acidity and very tolerant of heat and drought.
Sensory profile
Characteristics
Flavor & aroma
At a glance
Production facts
Prevalence
Niche
Climate
Warm climate
Ripening
Mid season
Wine styles
Still
Where it's grown
Geography
Shaded areas are the state, province or département(s) containing each region, so they run wider than the appellations themselves.
Greece
Attica
By far the main grape of the Athens vineyards, especially on the Mesogeia plain, and the base of traditional retsina.
Background
Origin & History
Savatiano is grown mainly in central Greece and above all in Attica, around Athens, where it makes up the great majority of the vineyards, especially on the Mesogeia plain to the east of the city. It is known for its resistance to drought, which suits a hot, dry climate, and it is also found on Euboea. No DNA parentage has been published for it.
Its best-known use is retsina, the white wine traditionally flavoured with pine resin, which is made from Savatiano and Roditis and became a national drink in the 1960s as tourism grew. The grape's low acidity is sometimes balanced by blending with Assyrtiko or Roditis. Attica's vineyards were hit by phylloxera as late as the 1950s and then by the growth of Athens, and today some producers make a clean, resin-free varietal Savatiano, including from old vines.
Lineage
Family tree
Parentage not recorded — Savatiano is an old variety of unknown origin.
No crossings involving Savatiano are documented in the collection yet.