Sunday Sips: Featuring Akakies Sparkling Xinomavro Rosé
There’s something undeniably luxurious about a Sunday afternoon well spent: sun-drenched patios, a book you can’t put down, laughter spilling over from the kitchen, and a glass of something effervescent in hand. For this week’s Sunday Sips, we’re pouring something special—a sparkling rosé from northern Greece that’s as vibrant as the summer season: Akakies Sparkling Xinomavro Rosé from Kir-Yianni.
This bottle has everything we love in a warm-weather wine—lush berries, crisp acidity, and just enough structure to carry through a meal, or simply stand on its own as the centerpiece of your weekend ritual. Whether you're picnicking under a canopy of trees or setting a slow table for brunch, this rosé bubbles with charm and character. Let’s dive in.
A Grape with Soul: Meet Xinomavro
If you haven’t explored Greek wine yet, let this be your invitation. Xinomavro, the grape behind this stunner, is native to the Amyndeon region of northern Greece. The name translates roughly to “acid-black,” which hints at its two defining characteristics: high acidity and deep color.
Typically, Xinomavro is known for producing bold, structured reds—think somewhere between a Barolo and a Nebbiolo. But when it’s made into a sparkling rosé, especially by the skilled hands at Kir-Yianni Estate, it takes on a whole new personality: elegant, refreshing, and brimming with red fruit and floral notes.
The Kir-Yianni Estate: A Legacy in a Bottle
Founded by Yiannis Boutaris, one of Greece’s pioneering winemakers and former mayor of Thessaloniki, Kir-Yianni is a family-run estate with a deep reverence for tradition and a keen eye toward innovation. Their vineyards in Amyndeon are some of the highest-elevation sites in Greece, meaning cooler nights, slower ripening, and ultimately—more complex wines.
The Akakies Sparkling Rosé is produced using the Charmat method (the same technique used for Prosecco), which means it retains freshness and a delicate mousse. The grapes are sourced from selected parcels, where sandy soils and cool air give the Xinomavro fruit an edge of brightness and lift.
First Impressions: Color, Bubbles, Aroma
As soon as you pour the 2023 Akakies Sparkling Xinomavro, it makes a statement. The color is a vivid pomegranate pink with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose offers a burst of fresh strawberry, cherry blossom, and a subtle herbal undertone that nods to tomato vine—an iconic Xinomavro signature.
It smells like a summer garden in full bloom—ripe fruit, buzzing bees, and sunshine on the skin.
On the Palate: What It Tastes Like
The first sip is juicy and exuberant, with wild strawberries, white cherries, and a whisper of rhubarb. The acidity is bright, balanced by just a hint of sweetness that gives the wine a rounded mouthfeel without ever feeling cloying. It’s crisp, clean, and incredibly drinkable—refreshing without being simple.
There’s structure here too. Unlike many sparkling rosés that fade quickly, Akakies lingers—leaving behind notes of crushed red berries, dried herbs, and a touch of minerality that makes you want to take another sip (and then another).
Vegan and Versatile: Perfect Food Pairings
One of the joys of this wine is how well it plays with food. Its acidity and gentle sparkle make it a dream for pairing, and while traditional pairings include Mediterranean seafood, feta-laced salads, or even lamb skewers, we’re here to celebrate the versatility of this bottle through a vegan lens.
🥗 1. Watermelon + Tomato Gazpacho
Bright, juicy, and a little savory, this dish mirrors the wine’s fruit-and-herb profile beautifully. The acidity of the gazpacho dances with the rosé’s citrus tones, while the tomato and fresh herbs connect to Xinomavro’s earthy soul.
🧀 2. Vegan Cashew Cheese Board
Pair with a trio of cashew cheeses (herbed, smoked, and fermented), slices of fresh baguette, and marinated olives. The slight saltiness of the olives and creaminess of the cheese offer a satisfying counterpoint to the wine’s crisp finish.
🍉 3. Grilled Stone Fruit + Arugula Salad
Think peaches, plums, or nectarines grilled and served over peppery greens with a lemon vinaigrette and a sprinkle of pistachios. The wine enhances the sweetness of the fruit while cutting through the dressing’s acidity.
🍄 4. Mushroom Tartlets or Puff Pastry Bites
A savory mushroom filling (think shallots, thyme, a splash of white wine) tucked into flaky pastry makes for a luxurious pairing. The umami from the mushrooms plays surprisingly well with sparkling rosé.
🍓 5. Fresh Berry Shortcake (Vegan, of course)
Round out the meal with a not-too-sweet dessert—like almond biscuits layered with coconut cream and fresh strawberries. It echoes the wine’s fruit notes and finishes the meal with lightness and flair.
A Bottle Made for Occasions (Big and Small)
What we love most about this wine is its flexibility. It’s elegant enough to pop for a celebration—an engagement brunch, a garden wedding toast, a milestone birthday—but also unpretentious enough to enjoy with a midweek veggie burger and sweet potato fries.
It invites spontaneity. It makes you want to open another bottle and linger at the table. It’s wine as a love language—bright, generous, and unfussy.
Serving Tips
To get the most out of your Akakies Sparkling Xinomavro Rosé, keep the following in mind:
Serve chilled—between 40–45°F (5–7°C)
Use a white wine glass to capture the aromatics (or a tulip flute if you prefer the fizz to shine)
Don’t wait for a reason to open it—this wine is the occasion
In Closing: Why We Love It
Akakies Sparkling Xinomavro Rosé is a celebration of place, passion, and possibility. It invites us to slow down, sip with intention, and savor the joy of good company—whether that’s a full table or just your own sunlit kitchen. It’s proof that wine doesn’t need to be complicated to be profound. It just needs to be delicious—and a little bit sparkling.
So this Sunday, pour yourself a glass, set out some berries and olives, and toast to the fleeting magic of the moment. Cheers to stillness, to sparkle, and to wines that make you feel something.
Have you tried Akakies Sparkling Rosé? Let us know your favorite pairings—or tag us in your Sunday sips on Instagram @YourHandle. Until next week, may your glass be full and your heart lighter for it.
