M&S has brought back its pioneering Rosé Mulled Wine, marking the return of the pink festive drink after a decade away from shelves.
The retailer was the first to introduce mulled rosé to the high street 10 years ago and has decided to relaunch it as shoppers seem to be enjoying rosé more than ever – sipping throughout the year, not just during summer.
M&S sold more than 100,000 bottles of rosé in the week before Christmas last year, making it one of its "biggest weeks" for pink wine sales outside the warmer season.
The hope is that the retailer's festive addition will both tantalise taste buds and solidify rosé as a festive favourite rather than just a summer sipper.
The innovative drink has been crafted in Germany, home to traditional Glühwein (mulled wine) and Christmas markets.
Promising a "fresh take on a festive classic", it features "delicious" notes of zesty orange alongside vanilla and traditional mulling spices.
Product developer at M&S Food, Maddie Love, said: "We know rosé isn't just for summer, and so we're declaring that rosé season is officially all year round with the triumphant return of our Rosé Mulled Wine.
"I've always preferred lighter styles of wine, and last Christmas our first-to-market White Mulled Wine was such a hit that we thought: why don't we give it a delicious pink twist?
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'We know rosé isn't just for summer, and so we're declaring that rosé season is officially all year round'
|M&S
"It's the perfect way to add some much-needed cosiness when the autumn days are starting to get chillier – I love it with a warm mince pie."
To enjoy the tipple in its intended form, heat it gently in a pan and serve with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
M&S' rosé mulled wine is available in select stores now, but there's more festive cheer on the way for mulled wine enthusiasts.
From October 8, M&S will launch its complete collection, including the return of the popular White Mulled Wine, which proved a "massive hit" among shoppers last year.
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The supermarket is also introducing a brand-new Maple Mulled Wine as it predicts that maple will be "one of this season's biggest flavour trends".
For those avoiding alcohol this festive season, there's good news too: an Alcohol-Free Mulled Wine will join the lineup.
Britons can access the full range at M&S Foodhalls and on Ocado.com when it launches next month.
In other seasonal food and drink news, both Waitrose and Asda have unveiled their festive ranges.
Waitrose shoppers have been promised a "showstopping" range, including turkey baubles, mulled rosé, and a "next-level" pistachio pudding.
Meanwhile, Asda shoppers can expect a "magical and affordable" selection, featuring maple pigs in blankets, a festive fondue kit, and lots of gingerbread men.