Critics remain divided on these innovations; while some praise the "super smooth" and "jammy" flavors of M&S blends, traditionalists occasionally argue that variations like white mulled wine are "gimmicks" that deviate too far from the classic red heritage. How to Make Mulled Wine | M&S Food
While spiced wine has ancient roots, the Victorians—largely influenced by Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and its mention of "Smoking Bishop"—cemented its status as a British Christmas staple. M&S has leaned into this tradition while pushing boundaries. Their launch of mulled rosé was marketed to challenge the idea that pink wine is only for summer, shifting over 100,000 bottles in the single week before Christmas in previous years.
: They are designed to be gently warmed in a pan rather than boiled, which helps prevent the 11% alcohol from evaporating too quickly or creating a bitter aftertaste.
The alcoholic strength of M&S's ready-to-drink mulled wine is notably higher than many supermarket competitors, typically sitting at . This strength provides a potent "alcoholic kick" that some reviewers feel can momentarily mask delicate aromatics if not heated carefully.
: A rich, full-bodied blend of red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
