In the Netherlands, millions of kilograms of table grapes are discarded by wholesalers and retailers every year. A supply chain issue may prevent them from reaching supermarkets on time, or the fruit might not meet rigid quality standards. Addressing that massive waste of food, Rotterdam Urban Winery just launched a line of wines made from surplus table grapes. The startup aims to transform what would typically end up in landfills or composting facilities into a marketable product.
Table grapes typically contain half the amount of sugar found in wine grapes. They also have thinner skins and, as a result, less tannin and intense flavors. So, developing drinkable wines was challenging. Founder Wouter Bijl — who previously made cider out of rejected apples and pears — turned to precision fermentation and specific yeast strains to make the most of the 8,000 kilograms of grapes RUW has saved so far. The first wines on offer are a sparkling white made of Thompson grapes priced at EUR 14.50, and a sparkling rosé made of Sable grapes for EUR 14.95. Both can be ordered directly from the company's website and are on the menu at various Rotterdam bars and restaurants.
🍷 Later this year, RUW will add a red wine and a brut to its circular selection. While the line-up may not compete with a Grand Cru, that's not the point. As the brand's tagline — 'Urban terroir for rebels' — signals, this is wine for people who value social and environmental impact over conventional wine prestige.
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