The emergence of dealcoholised wines is a category that is growing.
Zero-alcohol wines do not make themselves – they have to be processed in a way that removes 100% or near 100% of the alcohol.
The leaves behind a beverage with a significantly different taste and texture profile but there are producers who are doing an excellent job at finding the right balance of variety, flavour, and texture.
This month’s reviews reflect this emergence and challenge that the wine and beverage industries globally are facing – to find beverages that remain appealing to people who want to drink less wine, or want to drink wine with no alcohol at all.
Cameron Douglas MS explores some of the options in this month’s tasting guide, here are some of his top picks…
Forrest The Doctors’ Marlborough Riesling 2022
Classic bouquet, aromatic, ripe, fresh and enticing scents of red and green apple, lemon and white flowers. A mineral core of wet stone adds complexity. An off-dry wine touches the palate with a seam of sweetness immediately contrasted by acidity and citrus flavours. The apple and floral and indeed mineral qualities all rush back into focus soon after. Balanced, well-made and delicious. I wish more people could discover Riesling. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030.
Points: 93
RRP: $22.00
Distributor: Forrest Wines
Phone: (03) 572 9084
www.forrest.co.nz
Giesen 0% New Zealand Rosé
A light pink and salmon orange hued appearance leads to a bouquet and palate of strawberries and cherries, red melon and a light rose quality. Plump and refreshing on the palate with flavours that reflect the bouquet, a fruit centric wine with texture and some length. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2025.
Points: 90
RRP: $18.99
Distributor: Giesen Group Ltd
Phone: (03) 344 6270
www.giesenwines.co.nz
Lost Garden ‘Zero’ Hawke’s Bay Shiraz 2022
Varietal and fruity bouquet led by scents of plums and black currant, simple, light and enticing. On the palate the flavours remain with persistent black currant in the lead, then a touch of plum and dry stone. Super fine, easy tannin and a refreshing acid line. Balanced and well-made, ready to drink from day of purchase through end of winter 2025.
Points: 89
RRP: $20.00
Distributor: Hancocks Wine and Spirits Merchants
Phone: (09) 361 8480
www.trinityhill.com
Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Lighter South Australia Pinot Grigio 2023
Flavours of crisp golden apple and a touch of citrus then a fine lees texture builds shape and form on the palate. These ideas become persistent and remain fresh as the wine opens out over a couple of minutes. Balanced, crisp and well- made, a wine ready to drink from day of purchase through end of summer 2025. The grigio style is clear with this example.
Points: 89
RRP: $16.00
Distributor: Negociants New Zealand
Phone: (0800) 634 624
www.negociants.com/nz/home
To read all of Cameron’s wine reviews, click here!
Cameron Douglas is New Zealand’s first and only Master Sommelier. An experienced wine commentator, judge, reviewer, presenter and consultant, he is the Beverage Director & Group Sommelier for Rodd & Gunn and is the Patron of the New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association. Formerly academically in charge of the Wine & Beverage Programme at AUT in Auckland, Douglas has also consulted to a variety of establishments, taking care of their wine lists, wine and food pairings, and staff training matters, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas.
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