After the sell-out release of the world’s first alcohol-removed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in 2020, New Zealand winery Giesen Group has introduced a Rosé and Pinot Gris into its popular non-alcoholic wine Giesen 0% range.
The no-alcohol or low-alcohol (NOLO) movement is gaining traction. Wine Australia’s recent Market Bulletin (September 2021) notes that the forecast growth rate for the low- and no-alcohol category is 15% per year, compared with less than 1% per year for total wine volume.
Giesen Group Chief Winemaker Duncan Shouler says the sell-out launch of its Sauvignon Blanc showed Giesen that wine lovers want choices within this emerging category.
“The Giesen 0% Rosé and Pinot Gris have both recently been released in New Zealand, selling out quickly on the Giesen online store,” he says.
“Both wines have been particularly well-received by wine lovers and those looking for a healthier alternative.”
High tech equals higher quality wine
Giesen Group is taking the non-alcoholic wine category seriously, investing more than $1 million in its own specialised spinning-cone technology to further enhance the high quality of the Giesen 0% wine range.
“Alcohol-removed wine is actually more expensive to produce compared with its full-strength counterpart,” Mr Shouler says, “especially when it’s our goal to produce 0% wines with as few calories as possible that taste like wine rather than like grape juice.
“Having our own spinning cone also allows us to increase production levels to meet consumer demand and really helps drive quality. It means we can experiment and continually improve our 0% alcohol wine offerings to meet consumer taste profiles. We’re seeing better and better alcohol-removed wines every time we produce them.”
About the wines
With 70-80% fewer calories than standard 12.5% alcohol wines, the Giesen 0% range provides low-calorie options for those wishing to moderate their consumption while still enjoying a glass of wine – without the alcohol.
The 0% Pinot Gris is said to be “light and refreshing, with a beautiful balance of crispness and sweetness, with only 18 calories per 100ml glass”.
The 0% Rosé “boasts delicious stone-fruit aromas of white peach, apple and fresh strawberries and only 13 calories per 100ml glass”. The 0% Rosé and Pinot Gris are now available across Australia and a Merlot will join the range in January. The wines have an RRP $18.99.