Move over 'chicken wine' - there's a new bottle on the block.
Every summer seems to produce an unlikely supermarket star. Last year it was "fish wine" and before that "chicken wine".
Now there's a new bottle taking over social media – and it's being nicknamed "octopus wine".
The bottle in question is Co-op's Irresistible Alvarinho, an £8.65 Portuguese white that's become instantly recognisable thanks to its bold blue bottle and eye-catching octopus illustration.
And shoppers can't seem to get enough of it.
Sales have jumped by 55% in just 12 weeks, with the retailer describing it as one of its fastest-growing summer wines.
Part of the appeal is undoubtedly the packaging.
In an age where shoppers often discover products through TikTok and Instagram before spotting them in stores, standout design can make all the difference.
The distinctive octopus label has helped the wine become instantly recognisable, following in the footsteps of the famously nicknamed "chicken wine" – the hugely popular French wine that became a supermarket favourite thanks to the bird on its label.
But unlike many social media trends, shoppers say this bottle isn't just about appearances.
Inside is an Alvarinho from Portugal's Vinho Verde region, offering crisp citrus flavours alongside notes of honeydew melon and nectarine.
The result is a fresh, easy-drinking white that feels tailor-made for warm-weather drinking.
Whether you're planning a picnic, barbecue or garden party, it's exactly the kind of bottle many shoppers look for during summer.
The wine has also attracted attention from online wine experts.
Content creator Liam D'Arcy, better known as The Wine Wally, recently described it as "the perfect picnic wine", while wine influencer Candace Bugden praised both its approachable taste and standout packaging.
Eleanor Pinfield, Senior Buying Manager at Co-op, believes the combination of distinctive branding and drinkability is driving its success.
"We're seeing real excitement around the Irresistible Alvarinho – it's one of those wines that stops people in their tracks," she said.
"The octopus label gives it instant standout, and once people try it, they love how fresh and easy-drinking it is."
She added: "It's quickly becoming a bit of a social media star, and we think it's set to be a go-to bottle this season."
At under £9, it also lands in a sweet spot for shoppers looking to try something new without spending premium wine prices.
So if you've been wondering why everyone seems to be talking about "octopus wine", now you know. It might just be this summer's next supermarket cult buy.
Co-op wine deals for hot weather
The timing could be ideal for wine lovers looking to stock up for summer.
Co-op is running a 20% discount across its rosé wine range for a limited time.
Shoppers in England and Wales can save 20% when they buy any two rosé wines priced above £7.50 until 23 June, making it a good opportunity to pick up everything from supermarket favourites to premium bottles at a lower price.
The promotion includes a wide range of still and sparkling rosés, with Co-op now stocking 45 different rosé wines - nearly 40% more than a decade ago as demand for pink wine continues to grow.
Recommended reading:
- M&S is giving away a free £79 Clinique beauty box - here's how to get one today
- Five super easy ways to stay cool and sleep better during a heatwave
- How to get £40 M&S Beauty Bag and full list of products worth more than £230
Wine expert Liam D'Arcy, known to many wine fans as The Wine Wally, says shoppers shouldn't judge a rosé purely by its colour.
"I used to think pale rosé automatically meant better rosé," he said.
"But colour honestly tells you way less than most people think.
"Some of the best rosés I've had have actually had a bit more colour and personality to them."
For shoppers who usually reach for Provence rosé, he recommends exploring nearby French regions such as Luberon or the Southern Rhône, where similar styles can often be found at lower prices.
And for summer barbecues, D'Arcy says Spanish Garnacha rosés are often among the best choices thanks to their ability to stand up to grilled food and richer flavours.
Have you tried octopus wine? Tell us in the comments below...
Share