Rousaitis
Introduction
Rousaitis is one of the most enigmatic red varieties of the Aegean and Euboea, which until recently remained on the fringes of ampelographic documentation. Its recent official recognition in 2025 paves the way for further exploration of this rare 'islander,' which appears to belong to a broader family of varieties that old viticulturists called 'Rousika.' Official Classification: By Ministerial Decision of 2025, the variety was officially classified as Rousaitis N (Noir). The 'Rousika' Family: The National Catalogue also lists Rousiko B (Blanc/White), indicating that historically the term 'Rousiko' or 'Rousaitis' described a broader population of clones with different colors. International Recognition: It is registered in the global VIVC registry under the name ROUSAITIS – Rouge (ID 10257). Synonyms: Also referred to as 'Rousiko red.'
Tasting Notes
Fruit: Vibrant red fruits, such as cherry and strawberry. Herbaceousness: Possible presence of herbal notes that add freshness. Structure: Expected lively acidity and medium body.
Terroir
The cultivation of Rousaitis is found in specific pockets, although it remains extremely limited: Aegean Roots: Most historical references place its origin in the Cyclades. Dispersion: Today it is cultivated sporadically in both the Cyclades and Euboea, surviving mainly in old, 'mixed' vineyards. Current Status: The variety remains rare. There is not yet a specific area with organized plots, as it is preserved through the efforts of individual viticulturists who maintain local biodiversity.
Summary
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