Low- and no-alcohol wines are popular for consumers who like the idea of wine but wish to forgo the rush and urgency of alcohol in favour of fruit and other enticing scents and flavours.
There are customers who want no- and low-alcohol wine and I have tasted through a few examples. They may not be showstoppers, but they do fit neatly into a big gap in the market.
Cameron Douglas MS explores some of the options in this month’s tasting guide, here are some of his top picks…
The Doctors’ Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough
Aromatic and vibrant, with notes of apple and lemon — tart and refreshing, with a salivating acid line, followed by flavours of mango, green papaya, grapefruit, and gooseberry. So very easy to drink, this wine is best enjoyed from day of purchase through to the end of summer 2027.
Points: 93
RRP: $20.00
Distributor: Forrest Wines
Phone: (03) 572 9084
www.forrest.co.nz
The Doctors’ Pinot Noir 2021, Marlborough
Presented as a naturally lower-alcohol example, this wine showcases all that Pinot Noir should be, with flavours of dark cherries and raspberry. There’s a layer of fine lees and roses, along with some earthy smoke and natural spice qualities. Acidity and fine tannins combine to add texture and frame the fruit very well. Balanced, well made, and ready to drink from day of purchase through to 2027.
Points: 92
RRP: $25.00
Distributor: Forrest Wines
Phone: (03) 572 9084
www.forrest.co.nz
Selaks Origins Breeze Piquette 5% from Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough
Aromas and flavours of fresh white peach and citrus fruits, with a mix of freshly squeezed limes and lemons, followed by a light, mineral, saline quality. Fresh, crisp, and dry, with flavours that reflect the bouquet, a decent acid line, and good length. Best enjoyed from day of purchase through to 2026.
Points: 90
RRP: $13.99
Distributor: Constellation Brands NZ Ltd
Phone: (0800) 662 456 ext.4
www.selaks.co.nz
Maui Pōtiki 0% Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
Aromas and flavours of lime and grapefruit, with a mix of tropical fruit notes and a steely, leesy quality. A simple and refreshing style with plenty of acidity and fruit flavours at the core. Balanced and ready to drink from 2025 through to 2026.
Points: 88
RRP: $19.00
Distributor: Tiki Wine & Vineyards
Phone: (03) 326 5551
www.tikiwine.com
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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