Aprilis Sparkling Rosé 2021: A Bubbly Rosé Stunning As The Spring Itself
7th September 2023
How privately owned vineyards and modern winemaking can create nice sparkling wines with an exceptional quality-to-price ratio.
Based in Raxa, Trikala (Greece), Tsilili Winery has embarked on a new era, already making a mark in the world of sparkling wines, sometimes more successful (as seen in the Bianconerro wines). Aprilis, the name of the second month of the spring in Greek (April), seems to bring a future triumph to Tsilili Winery’s wine range.
Aprilis sparkling wine was released for the first time in April 2021. According to Costas Tsililis, the company’s managing director, “The goal was a wine with finesse, refreshing acidity and aromas of spring fruits and flowers”. Symbolically, Aprilis sparkling wine release is planned on April 1 of each subsequent year of its vintage.
Aprilis Sparkling Rosé 2021 originates from two dark-colored grape varieties, one with a long history in Thessaly, Xinomavro, and the other, Lemniona, a more recent but significant presence. Grapes for this wine come from Tsilili Winery’s vineyard surrounding the prehistoric cave of Theopetra.
The wine is produced using the closed-tank method and it has a very light salmon color. The flowery nose’s aromas extend to fruity notes on the palate, while the effervescence, far from being bothersome, blends harmoniously with the overall impression. The standout feature in the mouth is the exceptional acidity, while a few tannins contribute to the structure. The alcohol level provides balance to the sum of acidity and tannins, while the finish offers a satisfying duration, keeping alive the refreshing sensation of the wine.
Served at 7-9°C, Aprilis is ideal for enjoyable consumption both on its own as an aperitif and as an equally good choice for pairing with raw fish or robust charcuterie. Ultimately, it is a pleasant, lively and dynamic sparkling rosé that boasts an excellent quality-to-price ratio.
Argyrios Kallianiotis
Greek wine journalist and wine and food connoisseur. Content & Projects Manager at Vinetum, a wine communication company. Has held positions as a wine editor or editor-in-chief at Greek newspapers and magazines and has been a judge in various international wine competitions.