Major supermarket first in the UK to launch white mulled wine in time for Christmas
A MAJOR UK supermarket has become the first to launch a white mulled wine just in time for Christmas.
The festive beverage has become a Christmas staple, and shoppers will be racing to stores to try the new variation.
Marks & Spencers has stocked its shelves with new White Mulled Wine (75cl, 11 per cent), scanning at the tills for just £6.50.
The new Christmas-themed drink combines pear, vanilla and spice flavour mulled wine.
The retailer chose the white variation to offer a refreshing alternative to the “heavy, oaky, and often strong reds” that can feel overwhelming for drinkers.
Maddie Love, a product developer at M&S, added: “Lighter, fruitier notes will appeal to those who prefer a more delicate flavour profile.”
M&S’s festive drink was inspired by the German and Austrian Christmas markets, where white mulled wine is a popular choice.
The popularity of alcoholic beverages has surged in recent years, driven by the rise of European-style Christmas markets across the UK.
However, some argue that introducing the festive drink is a strategy to boost alcohol sales over Christmas, as younger generations tend to drink less than their parents.
Honey Spencer, a restaurant owner in Hackney, east London, said: “I think this product development is more an attempt to keep consumers drinking alcohol in the first place rather than a reaction to changing tastes.”
Shoppers can head to their nearest M&S branch to grab the new festive drink.
It comes as the major supermarket chains announced more than 450 items including new and returning dishes to their Christmas range.
M&S is renowned for its Christmas food, it’s the time of year when shoppers upgrade their usual food shop and spend a little bit more as a treat.
That means the competition is fierce as supermarkets battle for customers’ attention.
Behind the scenes, workers at the iconic retailer revealed that Brits are drawn to classic products with a small twist.
Speculoo flavour is about as wild out as you’ll find. Where you will see creativity though is the designs.
A so-called “hero” product – something M&S is betting on being a big talker and seller – is the Santa’s Workshop Musical Light-Up Tin.
Sparks is already known for its gorgeous light-up house tins – and they are coming back to shelves again.
But the newest invention that M&S expects shoppers to rush to stores for is a musical box.
Wind up the tin and you can watch Santa’s helpers prepare for Christmas. With lights, music, mirrors and moving parts, the £10 (400g) tin is a delightful keepsake for kids and adults. Oh, and it is filled with chocolate chip cookie stars.
Another new creation is a magical snowing forest. Not only does this box of chocs light up there’s a flurry of snow when switched on, like a never-ending snow globe.
For £15 (200g) you get crunchy Belgian milk and blond ganache truffles, and a pretty decoration.
The flavour trend of the cold season is hot honey, which has been added to everything from crisps and popcorn to brie and pigs in blankets.
M&S Xmas highlights
White Mulled Wine, £6, 11% – 5/10
An interesting twist, but I prefer my white wine cool and crisp, so not for me.
Turkey Feast dip, TBC, – 10/10
A mouthful of Christmas, top of my shopping list and I’ll be eating it all winter.
Turkey Feast lasagne, £10 750g – 8/10
Rich and festive, another dish that is spot on with the essential flavours of Christmas, but I’d need a small portion as it’s very creamy.
Hot Honey Brie Brulee £7, 288g – 8/10
A cheesy dream, with extra zing from the hot honey and a bit of crunch, a great combo of flavours and a winter warmer.
Halloumi in Blankets with Hot Honey, £5.50, 240g – 10/10
A surprise hit with soft and creamy centres. Possibly better than the originals.
HOT STUFF
Instead of sausages, the piggies are filled with halloumi and covered with a hot honey drizzle.
The combo of sweet and spicy glaze is moreish and seeps in to the cheese making it a deliciously soft and sweet eat. At £5.50 (240g) for 12, I’ll be stocking up on a few to snack on between now and the big day.
Equally cheesy and delicious is the baked hot honey brie brulee (£7, 288g), which M&S hopes will be a viral hit on social media.
It’s a whole creamy brie, drizzled with English Provender hot honey and sprinkled with brown cane sugar.
As you pop it under the grill for a cracking top, just like a sweet creme brulee, it’s even more indulgent and warming. Perfect for cold winter nights.
Key dates for M&S food
- M&S food to order – open now for online orders and collection Dec 22 -Dec 24
- Advent calendars – in store now
- Mince pies – in store now
- Hampers – available for order online now, last orders Dec 22
- Christmas market gift shop – Oct 10 in store and online
- Christmas flowers – online orders from Oct 17, last orders Dec 22
- Christmas sandwiches – in store from Oct 30
- Christmas desserts – in store from Dec 18
- Christmas veg – in store from Dec 20
- Turkeys – in store from Dec 20