Refreshing and delightful, sparkling rosé is a widely loved and highly versatile variety of wine. A number of grape varieties can be used to create sparkling rosé, each producing a unique flavour profile. Aphrodise is made using the indigenous Xinomavro grape from specially selected family vineyards in northern regions of Greece, creating a deliciously fruity, versatile sparkling rosé fit for any occasion. Read on to learn more about Xinomavro and a number of other varieties of grapes and the kinds of sparkling rosés they produce.
Xinomavro
Xinomavro is an ancient variety of grape indigenous to northern regions of Greece. Its name derives from the Greek words for sour (Xino) and black (mavro). This native variety is the third most planted in the country, making it a crucial part of Greece’s wine industry. Xinomavro yields wines of incredible structure and can be used to craft varieties of both still and sparkling wine including red, rosé, and white, ranging from dry to sweet.
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 which never feel overwhelming. Xinomavro grapes create a profound wine that captivates the senses.
Syrah
The most planted grape of Australia, Syrah (also known as Shiraz) is a dark red grape which originated along the Rhône in France. In its truest form, Syrah creates a very dark, full-bodied red wine with warming, autumnal notes such as brambles, black pepper, and leather.
Today, Syrah is grown in a variety of places including the Northern and Southern Rhône, regions of South Africa, and in Hawkes Bay in New Zealand. However, the Australians have claimed the Syrah grape and ultimately made it their own. From light, fruity wines to deep, chocolatey reds, Syrah is a highly versatile grape which can create a high variety of wines. In fact, Australian winemakers often combine Syrah grapes with more mid-palate grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon to tone back its front-loaded style and create a more complete flavour profile.
As a rosé, Syrah is a beautiful, pale pink wine with a pleasant, summery flavour profile. Syrah rosés are characteristically crisp and refreshing, often carrying notes of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus.
Grenache
This mature black grape is known for its ability to produce rich, fragrant wines. The origins of the Grenache grape are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Spain. Today, Grenache is primarily grown in the Southern Rhône, Languedoc, and Roussillon regions of southern France, across Spain, and even in parts of Australia. Having once been the most widely planted black grape variety in the world, Grenache is celebrated for its versatility in being able to produce a wide range of styles and expressions, and its unique, jammy, almost spicy flavour profile.
Grenache, given its pale pink colour and sprightly, sugary flavours, is an excellent candidate for producing fruity sparkling rosés with a high alcohol content. These wines are a unique experience, given that they are generally bone dry but carry a well-rounded sweetness. The Grenache-growing regions of southern France are especially renowned for their young, vibrant Grenache rosés.
Following a renaissance-like experience enjoying the tastes and flavours of every continent on earth, Aphrodise’s founders Frank Schilling and Gabi Petrylaite joined together to create Greece’s answer to champagne. Aphrodise is a refreshing and delightful sparkling rosé that perfectly highlights the varietal character of Greece’s noble and indigenous Xinomavro grape variety. Each cuvée is a celebration of youth, conviviality, and the height of carefree luxury. Order now to experience a beautiful bubbly that is dynamic, balanced, and luxurious all at once.
