Ripple (wine)
| Type | Flavored fortified wine |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | E. & J. Gallo Winery |
| Distributor | E. & J. Gallo Winery |
| Origin | United States |
| Introduced | 1959 |
| Alcohol by volume | 8 |
| Proof (US) | 16 |
Ripple was a discount, lightly carbonated, flavored fortified wine produced by E & J Gallo Winery.[1] Ernest Gallo, during a period of expanding his winemaking business into new markets, introduced the brand when a 1959 change to wine regulations allowed mild carbonation in table wine.[1] Ripple was widely popular during the 1970s due to its sweet flavor.[2]
Ripple was made from the cheapest grapes available, Thompson Seedless, and was described as a "groundbreaking beverage", as it contained half the carbonation of Coca-Cola and double the alcohol of beer, and the low price made it attractive to college students and other underaged drinkers.[3]
Cultural references
Ripple was often referred to on the TV series Sanford & Son as it was Fred Sanford's alcoholic beverage of choice.[4]
Mentioned on the TV series Supernatural, season 3, episode 8
Mentioned in the film The Wood.
Mentioned on the Richard Pryor film Which Way Is Up?.
Jordy Virrill in the Stephen King anthology film Creepshow drinks it.
See also
References
- ^ a b Pinney, Thomas (7 May 2012). The Makers of American Wine: A Record of Two Hundred Years. University of California Press. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-520-26953-8. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ Martin, Scott C. (16 December 2014). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Alcohol: Social, Cultural, and Historical Perspectives. SAGE Publications. ISBN 978-1-4833-7438-3. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ Richardson, Karen (February 2018). Harvesting the American Dream: A Novel Based on the Life of Ernest Gallo. Barbera Foundation. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ Jeff Elder (6 December 2004). "The bad wine that made a `ripple' in our culture". the Charlotte Observer. Retrieved 10 October 2007.