Roditis is the second most widely grown grape variety in Greece, following Savvatiano. Although it has a reddish hue, it produces white wines. In the past, it was primarily used for making inexpensive wines, especially retsina. However, this trend is beginning to change.
The plant is characterized by significant variability, with several clones still known today. The most esteemed of these is the "Alepou" clone. It is a highly productive variety, a trait that has not helped its reputation for quality, as in fertile soils where yields are not restricted, it tends to produce light and neutrally aromatic wines. Conversely, when cultivated in mountainous, barren vineyards, the concentrated grapes yield particularly noteworthy wines.
Roditis is grown in many regions across Greece, but the best examples come from the northern-facing mountainous vineyards of Aigialeia. Aromatically, it showcases medium-intensity fruity characteristics, including citrus, green, and tropical fruits. With bottle aging, it develops mineral notes and even petrol characteristics. The body is full, with acidity being moderate in lowland vineyards, while in cooler climates, it tends to be relatively high.
For the production of Roditis wines, the classic white winemaking method is typically followed, with fermentation at controlled, low temperatures. It rarely comes into contact with barrels, while a more common winemaking practice is aging on the fine lees, which adds body and aromatic complexity. There are also occasions when it is vinified using traditional methods, with minimal intervention, in contact with the pomace, resulting in structured orange wines with notable tannins that enhance the structure.
Roditis is often blended with other varieties, such as Athiri, Assyrtiko, Savvatiano, Moschofilero, Malagouzia, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines from the PDO Patras zone are made exclusively from Roditis, while in the PDO Melitona Hills wines, it is combined with Athiri and Assyrtiko, and in the PDO Anchialos wines, it is blended with Savvatiano.