Adding chillies to your wine is hot right now and Vinarchy has embraced the trend by launching Australia’s first-ever Spicy Rosé.

Cupio Spicy Rosé is made with chillies, Pinot Noir Rosé, watermelon and a splash of citrus. It’s light, fruity and finishes with a lingering chilli warmth.

So, how did this become a thing? It started when TikTok creator and jalapeno enthusiast @allysainthekitchen added a slice of chilli to her rosé. Her reaction has been viewed millions of times since and sparked a gazillion other social media moments.

Earlier this year, the Spicy Sauvy B was declared the northern hemisphere’s “drink of the summer” by everyone from The Washington Post to the Today show. It involves scattering slices of frozen green jalapeño chilli onto chilled sauvignon blanc before drinking.

The combination both cools down and spices up the wine, giving it a subtle and refreshing kick.

According to Jillian Dara in Forbes adding the chilli slices to the white sauvignon enhances “the wine’s inherent notes of citrus, herbs and tropical fruit, while adding a subtle heat and layered vegetal quality.

The concept has been an instant hit with UK shoppers, with Waitrose’s online site seeing searches for “sauvignon blanc” and “chillies” increase by 119% and 206% respectively year-on-year. 

Kim Crawford has even included a recipe on the cocktail section of its website.

Kim with a Kick

• 1 bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, frozen

Optional:

• Fresh lime
• Fresh pineapple
• Chilli-lime seasoning

Method: Slice jalapeño into ¼ inch wide slices. Remove seeds. Pour a chilled glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. Place 3-4 frozen jalapeño slices into the glass. Optional twists to dress it up: squeeze some lime for a little zest; kick up the heat with a chili-lime rim; add a sweet pineapple wedge.

Spicy Sauvy B’s have also started popping up on Australian bar menus, including Melbourne’s Marmont, which has been serving glasses of Motley Cru sauvignon blanc with jalapeños.

Cupio Brand Manager Georgia Viner said the label’s Spicy Rosé is already successfully driving recruitment into wine and unlocking more up-tempo occasions for younger consumers.

“Flavour exploration continues to fuel growth across the RTD and Spritz categories, and Zillenials are no stranger to a Spicy Marg – or the TikTok videos of influencers garnishing their Rose’s with a slice of chilli. The trend was there, we have just bottled it,” she said.

Cupio Spicy Rosé has an RRP of $17.99 and is available nationwide at BWS and Dan Murphy’s.