Orange wine has taken social media, trendy bars and even UK supermarkets by storm with retailers reporting a massive spike in sales compared to last year, stated recent reports, suggesting it is set to become the drink of the summer.
According to Ocado, this might be the summer that orange wine goes fully mainstream. The online supermarket has reported a 99 per cent increase in sales since this time last year, with month-on-month rises of 437 per cent in London, and 120 per cent and 115 per cent in Manchester and Kent respectively.
Just a few years ago, orange wines were found only in some independent wine shops. Currently, supermarkets M&S, Waitrose and Majestic are focusing to grow its range. In March, Aldi launched its “Rosorange” wine – a hybrid of rosé and orange wine – which caused a stir on TikTok and saw 5,000 bottles fly off shelves in the first week alone, with sales tripling the following week.
Moving on from the aisles, orange wine is also making waves on social media, particularly Tik Tok, where younger drinkers, Gen Z and millennials, have discovered the wine and its potential as a refreshing wine for the summer months.
Speaking to the MailOnline about the trend, Christian Streatfield, wine buyer at Ocado said, “Orange wine is increasingly popular with our customers.
“Unlike typical white wine production, the grape skins remain in contact with the juice during fermentation, producing complex flavours and textures, as well as that deeper colour.
‘The resulting wine is delicious and versatile, with something to offer both red and white wine fans.”
Known for its distinctive color, orange wine is made from white wine by extending contact with the grape skins as opposed to the popular claim that it is fermented orange juice.
Orange wine is, according to The International Organization for Vine and Wine (OIV), a “white wine with maceration”, and a minimum duration of the maceration phase being one month. The skin contact is what causes the amber or orange colour.
Simon Hannah
