UK wine retailers have reported a spike in rosé sales over the May bank holiday weekend, which saw record-breaking temperatures.
Rosé wine sales spike over bank holiday heatwave
Majestic Wine reported a 114% increase in rosé sales over the bank holiday on 7 May, compared to the same period the previous year.
It was the hottest May Day bank holiday on record, with temperatures reaching 28°C in some parts of the UK.
Reports from Majestic and other retailers underline the rise in popularity of rosé wine in recent years.
Waitrose told Decanter.com that it ordered in 50% more rosé wine for the bank holiday weekend in anticipation of the heatwave.
Sales were up 84% compared to last year, it said.
Provence rosé remains the category leader at Majestic, with sales up 14% year-on-year for the financial year 2017/18.
This follows a strong increase for Provence rosé at the retailer last summer too.
See also: Top rosé wines for summer
Winter rosé
Majestic also reported an increase in rosé sales over the winter months, suggesting that it is not only seen as a warm weather drink for a growing number of wine lovers in the UK.
The retailer also reported greater interest in a range of styles.
‘For many, rosé has meant one of two things – pale and summery, or dark and sickly, said Charles Cutterdige, rosé buyer at Majestic.
‘But we’re seeing a huge change in the category now, as more styles come in. Malbec is a great example. It has popular appeal as a red wine but we’ve had increased interest in our pink styles too. It’s the same with other grapes, like Pinot Noir, as well as whole regions – like Lisbon.’
