Invented by five Spanish students, the wine produced by the start-up Gik Live! is surprising. Blue in color, this new drink is the result of two years of research in partnership with several major technological institutes in the food industry.
A zest of pigments and sweetener
Classified as a fresh and sweet wine with 11% alcohol, it is made in several Spanish properties following the same manufacturing steps as "classic" wine. But what is the secret of this Indigo color? It is simply the result of a mixture of red and white grapes, which turned blue following a pigmentation process. The latter is obtained by adding anthocyanins, blue pigments found in the skin of red grapes, and indigo pug, a natural blue dye extracted from the indigo tree.
Thanks to this unique product, the young brains of Gik Live! have conquered more than 30 countries in Europe, America and Asia. The start-up, founded in 2015, has sold nearly 600,000 bottles in three years. It now has 12 employees and intends to diversify its range of products, offering a range of tea or spicy wines.
A revolution in a still conservative industry
Although there are many areas more accustomed to change, it is in the wine industry that the five Spanish students have invested. Tired of the wine culture they were exposed to in Spain, their goal is simple: to make people take their time and taste.
Criticism and skepticism quickly made their way to Gik. Purists even called blue wine "blasphemy" and a "terrible invention." But one of the founders, Taig Mac Carthy, half-Irish and half-Basque, advocates open-mindedness:
It is the most traditional industry that could be found in our country. We understand that for many people, wine is sacred. But we like to change things and we are not afraid to try.
To the delight of some and the disbelief of others, it seems that this young team still has a lot to say, and to taste!
