Entry classes for non-alcoholic wines were included for the first time in this year’s New World Wine Awards, attracting dozens of entries from the growing number of options now available from New Zealand and overseas wineries.
The judges put the wines through a blind-tasting, not once but twice, during the judging event in July.
The entries were first assessed alongside full-strength wines of the same varieties and then again in a single non-alcoholic round.
Co-Chair of Judges, Jen Parr, says it was “uncharted territory” for wine competitions, which typically score wines by the exacting 100-point scale.
“Standard wines include around 12 to 14% alcohol which contributes to their weight and texture, so the lack of alcohol does make these non-alcoholic wines a bit different to judge,” she says.
“When tasting and evaluating them we were really focused on what consumers are looking for and considered those other important factors like flavour, balance, complexity and finish.
“It was a fun and interesting exercise, and we were really proud to be able to recommend these wines as the shining stars in this growing category.”
Chris Anderson, Foodstuffs North Island Head of Deli, Bakery, Chilled, Beverages & Liquor, says that the combination of many ‘low and no’ alcohol product launches from local wineries, and more shoppers looking to moderate their alcohol intake, has seen interest in alternatives soar in recent times.
“During the first six months of 2021 for example, New World shoppers bought more ‘low and no’ wine than they did in all of the previous year.
“In response to growing demand, New World has recently introduced ‘Zero Zones’ within liquor departments where shoppers can easily find and explore the store’s range of non-alcoholic beverage alternatives.”
The 2021 New World Wine Awards judging panel recommended five top no-alcohol drops:
McGuigan ZERO Shiraz
Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc
Giesen 0% Pinot Gris
Edenvale Sparkling Rosé Alcohol Removed
Edenvale Rosé Alcohol Removed
The New World Wine Awards Top 50 and full medal results will be announced in October.
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