I recently saw some very cool pictures of blue wine from Spain, and it led me to do a little bit of research. When I did a Google search, I was blown away to see how many listings there are for blue wine.
What the Heck Is Blue Wine?
My favorite listing is “What the Hell Is Blue Wine?” from Eater. It’s definitely how I’m feeling about the subject as I get started on my research.
The sweet wine was invented by “six young Spanish entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the University of the Basque Country and Azti Tecnalia (the food research department of the Basque Government).”
The company name is Gik, and they are targeting millennials. The wine is made from “an undisclosed blend of red and white grapes predominantly sourced from vineyards in La Rioja, Zaragoza, León (all located about three hours north of Madrid), and Castilla-La Mancha (about two hours south of Madrid).”
According to BoredPanda.com, “The blue tint comes from a combination of anthocyanin (a pigment found in grape skin) and indigo dye, and as Gik explains on their website, they chose the color because it represents ‘movement, innovation and infinity.’”
A non-caloric sweetener is added as well. A 750ml bottle retails for 10 euros, or about $11 USD.”
The Founders’ Motivations
The founders of the company have no winemaking experience. They want to add “a little revolution” to Spain’s wine industry. They are intent on taking wine off of its pedestal. They are targeting people who are looking for a truly unique wine experience. VinePair.com said, “The goal with GiK was to create a wine that suited the tastes of creative and daring individuals, rather than elitists or connoisseurs.”
It’s Time to Break the Rules
One thing that makes them very different is that they don’t offer specs on their wine. On their website, they explain this by saying “We do not believe in wine tasting rules and we don’t think that anybody should need to study the bible of enology to enjoy a glass of wine. That is why we made an anti-technical sheet.” I have to say that I love that.
MNN.com adds to this by saying that their anti-technical sheet includes lines like these:
- “What varietals of grapes go into Gïk? Different varieties of red and white.“
- “How is it aged? It’s not.”
- “Tasting notes? It smells like wine and ripe fruit. It tastes like a ‘sudden, cheerful sweet burst’ and it’s slightly acidic.”
On the one hand, this drives me a little nuts. I love to know what I’m drinking. On the other hand, I find it very refreshing, and I’m sure it will be for many millennialls.
Why the Color Blue?
The founders were inspired by the business-theory book Blue Ocean Strategy, that talks about a saturated market where everybody is going after the same variables and swimming in a sea of red. Once people innovate and create new variables, the sea returns to blue, and happiness abounds.
Where to Find Gik
Gik’s US website
features a beautiful photo with just a few lines of text: “GIK represents the innovative side of life, because that’s how we are. We believe in the creative rebellion, we build new things, break with the past and create our future. We are Gïk and we will change the world. #GikLive”
Gik is just starting to sell in Europe. So I think it will be at least a few years until we’ll be able to try out this beautiful blue drink. If blue wine is here to stay, we will need to learn how to evaluate the different shades of blue. We will also need to learn how to love drinking something blue with even the most serious meals.
If you’ve gotten to try Gik in Europe, please share your experience with us. Thanks!
As an independent wine consultant with WineShop At Home, I absolutely enjoy bringing a taste of the Napa wine country home to you one sip at a time. Whether you simply love to drink wine, would like to host a tasting, seek a special gift, or are in search of a new wine jobs opportunity as a wine consultant, feel free to contact me for a truly unique wine tasting experience!
Cheers,
Betty Kaufman, WineShop At Home
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