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The Rise of Greek Sparkling Wine Across Europe and America

There’s no denying that the sparkling wine market is enjoying something of a boom across the world, particularly in Europe and America. Wine lovers on both sides of the pond are savoring sparkling varieties at celebrations, with friends, on vacation, or simply at home with a delicious dinner.

In a report by International Wine and Spirits Research,

It was found that ‘the U.S. market for sparkling wine has grown over a quarter in the last five years — the only wine segment to experience large volume growth between 2016 and 2021.’

Amongst those that have risen in popularity, Green sparkling wines are something of a breakthrough act, despite the country’s rich history in wine making.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the appeal of sparkling wine that has contributed to its growing popularity in Europe and America, and why Greek sparkling wine ticks all the boxes when it comes to the perfect glass of bubbly.

Greece’s rich winemaking history

You may not automatically think of Greece when you think of the history of wine making, but we can assure you that the Ancient Greeks were some of the earliest wine pioneers – yes, wine making goes back all that way. There’s even a Greek God of wine, Dionysus, who’s existence in Greek mythology is an indication of how highly wine was thought of during this period. 

While Greek wine took something of a back seat during the 19th and early 20th century, it benefited from investment in the 1970s, leading to a revival that has only gained strength between then and now. Previously neglected Greek vineyards were revived, as were indigenous Greek grapes. What has blossomed since is a wide variety of Greek wines, with sparkling rosé up there with some of the most popular. 

Unique characteristics

Greece sits in a beneficial position between the Aegean, the Mediterranean and the Ionian seas, which provides excellent grape growing conditions with plenty of diversity in terms of terroirs. This means that a variety of grapes can be grown, all with distinct flavors and aromas influenced by the climate, and the soil. Indigenous varieties include Xinomavro (our personal favorite, naturally), Moschofilero and Assyrtiko.

Wines from Greece tend to be smooth, fruity, and floral, making the production of sparkling wine appealing indeed; who doesn’t love a fruity bit of bubbly to enjoy in the sunshine?

Rise in popularity

Friends enjoying Aphrodise on board a yacht

Not only are Americans in particular buying more sparkling wine, but they’re drinking it more frequently too. Wine Intelligence, the wine division of IWSR Group, reported that the number of monthly sparkling wine drinkers rose from 56% to 72% between 2019 and 2022. In the UK, Statista revealed that ‘the Sparkling Wine market in the United Kingdom is projected to grow by 2.05% between 2024 and 2029. All statistics are pointing to a boom in popularity of sparkling wines.

The Humble Grape predicts that 2024 will see even ‘growing interest and demand for wines showing unique characteristics due to the land’s unique terroir’, something Greek sparkling wines, such as Aphrodise, demonstrate perfectly.

With Greek wines, including sparkling varieties, becoming a competing part of the wine industry and steadily getting recognition in the form of awards, it’s a pleasure to see Greek wines being celebrated as they deserve to be.

To conclude 

It’s exciting to see the popularity of sparkling wines rocket, and we’re proud for our uniquely delicious sparkling rosé to be a part of that. It provides an excellent accompaniment to the dining experience, or simply to be sipped in the sun around the pool, on the boat, or at the beach. We invite you to enjoy the magic of Aphrodise.