MARKS & SPENCER ENGLISH ORANGE WINE REVIEW: A NICE SUMMER FLING.
M&S has long been a quiet champion of English wine, and now they’ve done something no other supermarket has—launched the first English orange wine on their shelves. It’s a bold move, and a welcome one.
There’s no denying that orange wine—or skin-contact white, if we’re being technical—is having a bit of a moment this summer. I’m seeing the sunset hues all over my Instagram feed. So when I spotted this stylish bottle among the usual whites and rosés at my local M&S, I was genuinely excited to give it a try.
In this blog post, you’ll find my review of the M&S English Orange Wine. What does M&S English Orange Wine taste like? What should you serve it with? And is it worth your £15—or should you wait for an offer?
About M&S English Orange Wine
Let’s start with the headlines.
This is a still orange wine made in partnership with Defined Wine, a Canterbury-based producer doing lots of interesting things in the English wine scene (including a rather lively Pet Nat also with M&S.)
The grape blend isn’t printed on the label—disappointingly vague for a wine geek like me—but according to Decanter, it’s a mix of Chardonnay (majority), Pinot Gris (around 25%), and a splash of Ortega. That Ortega is very noticeable on the nose.
As for the look—chic, coastal, and Instagram-ready. The white and blue label is giving Provençal holiday, while the peach-hued pour glows like late evening sun on a seaside terrace. It’s hard not to be seduced.
M&S English Orange Wine: The Low Down
Here’s all the key information you need to know about M&S’s English Orange wine.
🗺️Produced in Kent, but we don’t really know where the grapes are from in England
🍇Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Ortega, 11% alcohol
💷£15.00
Tasting Notes for M&S English Orange Wine
So, to the taste test:
Appearance – A pale amber with peachy undertones.
Aroma – Honey, citrus, and something oddly nostalgic… I couldn’t get the comparison to lemon and honey soothers out of my head. It’s comforting and oddly medicinal at the same time.
Taste – Dry, floral, and crisp. There’s a light bitterness at the end—classic orange wine structure—but it lacks complexity. It doesn’t unfurl or evolve in the glass. Just… arrives, and sort of stays there.
Mouthfeel – Light and lean. Almost too lean. Orange wine sometimes falls into a “blunt instrument” category—lacking subtlety. Unfortunately, this one does just that for me.
Pairing Suggestions for M&S English Orange Wine
I served mine chilled (as you should), with sourdough topped with feta, courgette, and black pepper. It worked. You want something light, summery, and inoffensive. Nothing heavy or meaty—this wine would collapse under pressure.
Think:
- Garden canapés
- Goat’s cheese and peach salad
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Aperitivo hour nibbles
Don’t:
- Roast dinners
- Bold curries
- Anything with blue cheese or big spice
Occasions and serving tips for M&S English Orange Wine
This is definitely not a supper wine. It would get lost alongside food. It’s more of a chatting-on-the-lawn wine. A take-to-a-picnic-wine. A “look how cool I am drinking orange wine from M&S” kind of wine.
Serve it well chilled, in a nice wide glass, in sunshine if possible. It’s very much a British summer fling. Brief, photogenic, fun—but maybe not one for long-term commitment.
My review of M&S English Orange Wine
There’s a lot to like about this wine. First and foremost, the fact that it even exists—kudos to M&S for taking the leap and bringing English orange wine to the supermarket shelves. The bottle is beautifully presented, and the novelty factor is high. I also enjoyed the floral notes, likely thanks to the Ortega, and appreciated the dry, refreshing style.
TASTE: 6.5/10
QUAFFABILITY: 8/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 6/10
BUY AGAIN: At £12? Yes. At £15? Maybe not.
But for all its charm, there are a few frustrations. At £15, it feels a little steep. I couldn’t help but compare it to other options in that price bracket—a decent bottle of fizz, even an English one, or a more refined European white. For a still wine, it just doesn’t quite justify the cost. Then there’s the lack of grape information on the label, which feels like a missed opportunity for a wine that’s already a bit of an education for many drinkers.
And while it’s perfectly drinkable—in fact, my partner and I polished off a bottle on a sunny Friday in under 90 minutes—it just didn’t leave me buzzing. I’d happily drink it again, especially in summer, and it definitely has quaffability in spades. But it didn’t bring the complexity or intrigue I look for in a standout orange wine.
It’s one of those wines that looks the part, but doesn’t quite follow through. Fun, refreshing, and a good talking point—but not a bottle I’ll be rushing to tell my wine-loving friends about.
Where to buy it
You can buy in your local M&S, or from Ocado – here, for £15. But if you want my advice, wait for a cheeky offer.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
Please note that some links on my website are partnered with affiliates. Using an affiliate link does not make it more expensive for you to purchase. We receive a small commission whenever you buy something which in turn allows me to keep writing independent content. Your support is greatly appreciated.
I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply