In a bold and unexpected move, Pizza Hut has introduced a tomato-based wine, sparking curiosity and confusion among wine enthusiasts and casual diners alike. While fruit wines made from cherries, plums, and apricots have been around for some time, tomato wine is a whole new concept.
But does it work? Let’s dive into what this quirky drink tastes like, where to buy it, and whether it’s worth the hype.
What Exactly is Tomato Wine?
As strange as it sounds, Tomato wine is made from fermented tomatoes, which are botanically speaking fruits. Though most people associate tomatoes with savory dishes like pizza or pasta sauce, they technically belong to the same family as grapes regarding fermentation.
Pizza Hut’s tomato wine is a limited-edition offering that pairs a familiar ingredient with the winemaking process. Produced by Just Beyond Paradise Winery in Irvine, this wine is the first to hit the market, offering something new to adventurous wine drinkers.
What Does Pizza Hut Tomato Wine Taste Like?
Think again if you expect a sweet, fruity wine similar to a traditional red. The color of Pizza Hut’s tomato wine is a deep, fruit punch-like red, but that’s where the similarity to conventional wines ends. Upon swirling the wine, the initial aroma is reminiscent of Italian seasoning—not something you’d typically experience in a wine-tasting session.
Upon the first sip, the taste is more savory than sweet, with earthy undertones that make you think of freshly cooked pizza or a bowl of pasta. It’s as if you’re drinking a liquid version of a pizza slice.
The flavors are strongly influenced by the garlic, basil, and oregano, with these herbs lingering on the palate long after you take a sip. This savory profile makes the wine feel more like an herbal-infused drink than a classic wine.
Linda Cheung, a video producer who tried the wine, mentioned that the first taste she experienced was more akin to cheese than tomatoes. The wine’s flavor profile seems to lean heavily on the seasonings typically found on pizza, making it an interesting but somewhat perplexing drink for those expecting the sweet, fruity notes common in most wines.
Why is Tomato Wine So Unusual?
At first glance, the concept of tomato wine may sound downright bizarre. After all, tomatoes are commonly used in savory dishes like pasta sauces, soups, and, of course, on pizzas. But when you consider tomatoes technically fruits, fermenting them into wine doesn’t seem as strange.
What truly sets this tomato wine apart is its flavor, infused with the savory, herby taste of Italian cooking rather than the fruity sweetness you typically expect from wine.
This makes the wine more of a novelty or a gimmick, appealing to those curious or fans of Pizza Hut’s brand. While the concept of tomato wine might not be for everyone, it’s a fun experiment that challenges the boundaries of what we expect from wine.
Where Can You Buy Pizza Hut Tomato Wine?
Unfortunately, you might be out of luck if you want this unique tomato wine bottle. Pizza Hut’s tomato wine has already sold out as a limited-edition product. It was priced at $25 per 375 ml bottle, which is roughly half the size of a standard wine bottle.
The wine also had a minimum purchase requirement of two bottles, so those who managed to snag a bottle are now among an exclusive group of buyers.
The wine’s packaging is eye-catching, with a cute bottle featuring a wax seal over the cork. The label is decorated with a red and white checkered border reminiscent of the classic tablecloths in old-school Italian restaurants. While the wine may be complex to find now, Pizza Hut might release another batch.
Keep an eye on their social media and website for any updates.
Is Pizza Hut Tomato Wine Worth It?
If you enjoy trying new and unusual things, Pizza Hut’s tomato wine might be worth a try if you can find it. However, if you’re a wine purist or looking for a more traditional wine experience, there may be a better drink for you.
The savory and herbal notes make it a fun conversation starter, but it won’t replace your favorite bottle of red or white.
For those who are fans of Pizza Hut or intrigued by the concept of savory wines, this could be an exciting addition to your collection. However, with its limited availability and unusual taste, it’s likely to remain a quirky novelty rather than a mainstay in the wine world.
FAQs
What does Pizza Hut tomato wine taste like?
Pizza Hut tomato wine has a savory, herbal flavor with garlic, basil, and oregano notes. It tastes more like a liquid pizza than a traditional fruity wine.
Why is tomato wine considered unusual?
While tomatoes are technically fruits, they’re usually used in savory dishes. The tomato wine is unique because it combines the spicy, herby flavors typically found in Italian cuisine with the fermentation process of wine.
Where can I buy Pizza Hut tomato wine?
Pizza Hut’s tomato wine was a limited-edition release and has already sold out. It was available online for $25 per bottle, with a minimum purchase of two bottles.
How much does Pizza Hut tomato wine cost?
The wine was priced at $25 for a 375 ml bottle, about half the size of a regular bottle.
Will Pizza Hut release more tomato wine in the future?
There is no official word on whether Pizza Hut will produce more batches of tomato wine, but fans are hopeful for a re-release. Keep an eye on their website and social media for any updates.
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