The arrival of spring heralds the start of family get-togethers, barbecues with friends and impromptu picnics. Naturally, it’s at these occasions that a bottle of something cold and crisp is shared, but why not add some alcohol-free options to your repertoire?
Whether you’re working on a health goal, have a big meeting the next day or you’re the designated driver, there’s no reason to feel left out — there are now plenty of no- and low-alcohol alternatives. Giesen Wines 0% range is full of flavour and choice. The brand’s sell-out 0% Sauvignon Blanc has been joined by a Rosé, Pinot Gris and Merlot, so there is something for everyone’s
tastes. A Riesling will also be added to the range this spring.
Not all alcohol-free wines are created equal, so it’s worth seeking out the top drops available. Giesen makes its 0% wine range just like its regular full-strength New Zealand wine. The fruit is sourced from exceptional vineyards around Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and Waipara. The wine then goes through an additional process to gently remove the alcohol using an innovative spinning cone technology — the same process used in perfume and coffee. The winemaking team adds back in the aroma to give a distinctive taste and flavour. The result is 0% wine that actually tastes like wine (not grape juice!) and it’s also up to
70 to 80 per cent lower in calories than a regular 12.5 per cent alc/vol wine.
“There has been huge consumer demand for non-alcoholic wine options. But, before we ventured into the category, we wanted to ensure that we could produce a wine that was as good as the rest of the Giesen premium wine range,” says Giesen Group winemaker, Duncan Shouler. “We take the category seriously, using some of our finest fruit from New Zealand and putting in place a designated wine-making team to make these wines. We’ve invested more than $1 million just to have the technology on site to make these wines, and we’re overwhelmed with the positive feedback. Having our own technology allows us to be experimental and continually improve our 0% alcohol wine offering. I would say that we are seeing better and better alcohol-removed wines every time we produce them.”
Not only are the wine releases selling out quickly, they are also winning accolades on a global scale. At the 2022 International Wine Challenge in the United Kingdom the Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Riesling and Pinot Gris were all 2022 Commendation winners. The Giesen Group was also awarded the Trophy for Best Winemaker at the 2022 WinePilot Zero Alcohol Wine Show in Sydney.
Wondering what to try first? The Sauvignon Blanc is a crowd favourite. Delicate aromas of fresh lime, redcurrant and lemon shortbread meet delicious citrus flavours with distinct blackcurrant and passionfruit notes. Followed by a crisp, dry finish, it’s mouth wateringly juicy and bright — a light, fresh, and invigorating non-alcoholic wine.
You can also use these alcohol-removed wines to create delicious cocktails — ideal for baby showers, celebrations or the many other occasions when an alcohol-free option is preferred. We can cheers to that!
Rosé Lemonade
Serves: 1
Ingredients
Peach Purée:
Punnet strawberries,
tops removed
100g peaches (fresh
or tinned)
Juice ½ lemon
20g sugar
100ml Giesen 0% Rosé
15ml strawberry & white peach purée (recipe above)
15ml verjuice or white wine vinegar
60ml lemonade
Soda, to top
Strawberry, to garish
Lemon peel, to garnish
Method
To make the Strawberry & White Peach Purée,
blend all ingredients until puréed.
Mix all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice until chilled.
Pour into hi-ball glass or any glass you have at home.
Top with soda and garnish with strawberries and lemon peel.
Sauvignon Daiquiri
Serves: 1
Ingredients
120ml Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc
10ml lime juice
15ml sugar syrup
Method
Pour the Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc into a shaker with ice.
Add the lime juice and sugar and shake until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with lime and enjoy!
