Marks & Spencer has introduced Trouble, a peachy-opaque organic rosé, to its shelves. This release marks the first time a cloudy still wine has been available in a British supermarket. The product name translates to “cloudy” in French, signaling a direct appeal to consumers interested in unfiltered wine styles.
The Rise of Unfiltered Wines
The launch follows the growing mainstream popularity of pétillant naturel, or pét nat. This ancestral method involves bottling wine before fermentation is complete. The process leaves dead yeast cells, known as lees, in the bottle. These cells are not removed through disgorgement, which creates the characteristic haze. While pét nats are typically sparkling, the technique has inspired a broader interest in wines that retain their natural sediment.
Traditional wine clarification involves fining and filtration. Fining adds agents to bind haze-forming particles like proteins and tannins. Filtration physically removes suspended particles. Trouble appears to use settling or racking methods instead. This approach keeps the wine clear of large sediment chunks while maintaining its cloudy appearance.
Waitrose currently stocks several unfiltered wines, such as Catena Malbec, but does not market any as “cloudy.” Tesco sells a pét nat Chardonnay from Argentina. Marks & Spencer also offers an own-label English rosé pét nat, though it is currently out of stock.
Flavor and Texture Benefits
Industry experts point to texture as the primary driver for this trend. Zainab Majerikova, head of wine for the Ottolenghi group, notes that unfiltered wines offer more “fleshiness” and rounded fruit. Her group serves three house wines that are unfiltered and cloudy. She states that these characteristics make the wines more “moreish” and better suited for complex dishes.
Extended contact with lees can add a crunchy quality to the palate. Majerikova recommends shaking the bottle before opening to mix the sediment back into the liquid. This step enhances the wine’s vibrancy and complexity. The style pairs well with warm weather and casual meals like pizza.
Trouble is priced at £12 and contains 12.5% alcohol. It is described as a slightly savory take on a southern French rosé. The wine is available on Ocado. Other notable cloudy options in the UK market include the Alma 4 Phos Pét Nat from Tesco and the Alella La Rumbera from Dynamic Wines.
The Ottolenghi Red Wine, a subtly cloudy Pinot blend, is also gaining attention. It is priced at £26 and offers a distinct textural experience. These products reflect a broader shift in consumer preference toward natural and rustic wine styles.
Source: The Guardian
