In this instalment of Tasted by Drinks Trade, the Drinks Trade team gives its thoughts on eleven of the leading non-alcoholic wines currently available on the Australian market. On top of offering insight into the wines themselves, the tasting generated a number of key takeaways. Firstly, it is clear that the category has come a long way over the past few years, both in terms of variation and overall quality. However, the tasting also highlighted that the category should be treated as separate to that of regular table wine due to the inherent structural and flavour differences that emerge once the liquid is in mouth.
The non-alcoholic wine category also presents a unique challenge to retailers and venues due to the generally shorter lifespan of the products. With every bottle featuring a best before date on the back label, it is paramount that stockists select their non-alcoholic portfolio with caution to avoid having excess stock on hand.
Without further adieu and in no specific order, this is what the Drinks Trade team thought of the eleven wines:
McGuigan Zero Sauvignon Blanc
Region: South Eastern Australia
Our thoughts: “Generous gooseberries and stone fruit aromas, with depth and complexity. Lime zest acidity on the palate. Palate is quite weighty, with both acidity and sugar quite high - definitely one to have nice and cold - with grassy undertones working to somewhat counter the sugar sweetness. A refreshing and credible non-alc wine alternative.”
Who’s it for: “Interestingly, given this is pretty true to SB varietal characteristics, this perhaps has a broader reach to all wine drinkers as it was closer to what it was targeting."
ABV: <0.5%
RRP: $10
Owner/distributor: Australian Vintage
Natureo Muscat (by Bodegas Torres SA)
Region: Penedès, Spain
Our thoughts: “Mandarin, orange and grapefruit - a considered yet generous mouthfeel, supported by bright floral aromatics. The palate gives way to juicy peach. Lovely finish, not aggressive but balancing the fruit sweetness. Perhaps Muscat is better suited to non-alc given the sweeter profile of the varietal, as it seems to swallow up the sugar more naturally.”
Who’s it for: “Not a common varietal, so likely more for experienced wine drinkers looking to expand within the non-alc category. Likely a hand sell, but also likely to drive repeat purchases for the right buyer.”
ABV: <0.5%
RRP: $16
Owner/distributor: Swift + Moore
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling
Region: Mosel, Germany
Our thoughts: “Lively fresh forward aromas. Palate is jumping, lively acidity and fresh fruit sweetness not quite in balance - something like a lemon-drop jolt. Perhaps too much acidity for the lack of body, but could be an option for fans of high-acid styles. Plenty of stone fruit and citrus makes for a moorish palate.”
Who’s it for: “Suited for drinkers who prefer higher-acid styles. German origin a point of interest/key selling point.”
ABV: 0.0%
RRP: $25
Owner/distributor: Swift + Moore
Edenvale Pinot Gris
Region: South Eastern Australia
Our thoughts: “Apricots jump out of the glass, ripe stone fruits and nashi pear. Palate is generous with a rounded mouthfeel, with a sweeter apple note coming through. Sugar lingers, but reasonable acidity keeps this fresh and balanced, although finish becomes a little muted (a fairly common problem across the board).”
Who’s it for: “Easy-drinking summer occasions. A decent, solid non-alc option that customers are likely to pull off the shelf without being prompted.”
ABV: <0.5%
RRP: $10.50
Owner/distributor: Edenvale (contact National Business Manager Paul Andrade at paul@edenvale.com.au)
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Chardonnay
Region: Rüdesheim, Germany
Our thoughts: “Fruit forward, this Chardonnay greets you with fresh aromas of green apple and gooseberries. Palate is alive with fruit sweetness, cloying mouthfeel and finishing acids. Also a nutty flavour that seems to stand in contrast to the fruit. A softer and sweeter wine with lower acidity.”
Who’s it for: “The German origin and labelling make this a point of difference, while the Chardonnay varietal is familiar territory for Australian consumers. Probably best as an addition to an existing non-alc repertoire, or as an option to stand out on wine lists.”
ABV: 0.05
RRP: $26
Owner/distributor: Swift + Moore
McGuigan Zero Sparkling
Region: South Eastern Australia
Our thoughts: “Fresh pear and green apple. Lucious mouthfeel and balanced acidity. Fruit sweetness at first followed by crisp acidity. Sweet and simple sparkling apple juice flavours, but nice and refreshing.”
Who’s it for: “A non-alc option for sparkling wine celebratory occasions.”
ABV: <0.5%
RRP: $10
Owner/distributor: Australian Vintage
Edenvale Sparkling Shiraz
Region: South Eastern Australia
Our thoughts: “Deep cherry colour with a strong mousse and beeding. Blue and black berry aromas jump out of the glass - ribena, boysenberries and blueberries - supported by subtle smokey undertones. Balanced, with the flavour remaining in balance right into the finish.
Who’s it for: “Interestingly, a great option for usual red wine consumers, as the colder temperature tones the sugar sweetness down a few notches. An ideal option to have in store in the lead up to Christmas.”
ABV: <0.5%
RRP: $15
Owner/distributor: Edenvale (contact paul@edenvale.com.au)
Natureo Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé (by Bodegas Torres SA)
Region: Penedès, Spain
Our thoughts: “Interesting blend of shiraz and cabernet grapes in a rose style. Good fruit weight and red fruit aromas. Somewhat elegant on nose, but palate is full of a luscious fruit sweetness, although finishes a bit short. Very drinkable.”
Who’s it for: “A strong non-alc rose contender.”
ABV: <0.5%
RRP: $16
Owner/distributor: Swift + Moore
NON x Matt Stone Poached Plum and Finger Lime
Region: NA
Our thoughts: “A different style on non-alc, plum is the first to jump out of the glass. Slightly sour, the palate delivers more plum, earl grey, hints of cinnamon and lime. A saltiness dries the palate. Truly an intriguing and well balanced flavour profile that isn’t trying to perform the same function as the other wines tasted, but is definitely targeting the same category.”
Who’s it for: “Ultra-premium non-alc beverage for consumers who struggle to get along with the current non-alc options available. Also for special occasions, and on-prem restaurant sales.”
ABV: 0%
RRP: $40
Owner/distributor: NON (contact sales@non.world for ranging enquiries)
Natureo Grenache Shiraz (by Bodegas Torres SA)
Region: Penedès, Spain
Our thoughts: “Deep ruby, pepper and red fruits on the nose. Bright summer fruits with hints of spice. Generous finish, with flavour carrying right through. Sweetness is kept mostly in check.”
Who’s it for: “A very strong non-alc red wine option that resembles the style it is targeting.”
ABV: <0.5%
RRP: $16
Owner/distributor: Swift + Moore
Edenvale Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: South Eastern Australia
Our thoughts: “Red berry, especially cranberry. Soft and gentle structure, very juicy and soft but with tannins that grip the gums right on the back end. Simple, sweet, and approachable.”
Who’s it for: “The brighter red fruit perhaps positions this as a safe option to have on the shelf. The label design and popular variety means it’ll likely attract customers, and the wine itself is unlikely to disappoint anyone who’s had experience with the non-alc wine category.”
ABV: <0.5%
RRP: $10.50
Owner/distributor: Edenvale (contact paul@edenvale.com.au)
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