Get to Know the Grapes Behind Our Sparkling Rosé
Every bottle of sparkling wine tells a story, and we’re ready to take you through ours. What begins as a simple grape evolves into a refreshing, bubbly delight that embodies carefree luxury and the rich heritage of Greece. Let us introduce you to the grapes behind your favourite bottle.
What is Xinomavro?
Xinomavro is an ancient variety of grape indigenous to northern regions of Greece, its name derived from the Greek words for sour (Xino) and black (mavro). This native variety is the third most planted in the country and is a huge part of Greece’s wines.
Predominantly cultivated in the mountainous regions in Macedonia, this grape is known for its versatility and dynamic nature. Xinomavro yields wines of incredible structure, each possessing a unique style and character, with an exceptional capacity for long-term ageing.
Xinomavro grapes can be used to craft varieties of wine, including red, rosé, and white, ranging from dry to sweet, and sparkling among others.
Why do we use Xinomavro for our sparkling rosé?
We chose Xinomavro grapes for our sparkling rosé because of their truly unique and multilayered character.
It’s an intriguing grape variety that produces powerful yet complex wines, although never overwhelming. Xinomavro grapes create a wine that captivates the senses.
Xinomavro is a versatile grape variety that produces truly breathtaking sparkling wines. Our grapes are sourced from a single appellation in the Northern Greece’s most elevated vineyards, and they bring a unique depth to the wine.
The journey to using this variety of grape began with a simple discovery whilst exploring grape varietals when we opened our restaurant in Mykonos. We came across the dark red Xinomavro grape known for its rich, robust qualities in still wines. Intrigued by the work of innovative vintners experimenting with a lighter, blonder version of the grape variety, we saw its potential for sparkling wine. With a bit of fine-tuning, we created a sparkling rosé that beautifully balances the grape’s inherent complexity with a touch of sweetness.
Tasting notes and aromas
The purity of the highland water and the arid soil in Northern Greece’s vineyards contribute to its distinctive character, offering a crisp and refreshing profile with fruity flavours and a delightful freshness achieved through low acidity.
The wine opens with signature aromas of dried tomatoes, olive tapenade, and fragrant thyme to evoke the rustic charm of the Mediterranean. These notes are beautifully balanced by a core of cherries and strawberries creating a harmonious blend of flavours.
Our production process
The creation of Aphrodise sparkling rosé begins with gently removing the skins of our Xinomavro grapes before gently pressing to create the base wine. Embracing the traditional method, our base wine is then bottled with a precise blend of yeast and sugar, initiating a secondary fermentation that produces our sparkling wine’s delicate bubbles.
The bottles are aged horizontally for at least 9 months before the yeast is removed. The result is a sparkling rosé ready to be enjoyed by the pool, on a boat, or at the table.
Try Aphrodise today
Feeling inspired? The story behind our grapes is the foundation of our business, and we’re delighted to be able to share our product with you. Indulge in our sparkling rosé whether you’re raising a glass or elevating your day by the water.