Giesen amps up non-alc investment. Group allocates $1m to advance spinning-cone technology.

Giesen Group says it is investing more than $1 million in its own specialised spinning-cone technology to further enhance the high quality of the Giesen 0% wine range.

Following the sell-out release of the world’s first alcohol-removed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in 2020, the New Zealand winery will introduce two new varietals for summer: a 0% Rosé and 0% Pinot Gris will join the range.

Giesen Group Chief Winemaker Duncan Shouler says: “The sell-out launch of our Sauvignon Blanc showed us 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. Both wines have been particularly well-received by wine lovers and those looking for a healthier alternative.”

Growing demand for no-alcohol wine alternatives

Wine Australia’s recent Market Bulletin* (September 2021) notes that the forecast growth rate for the low- and no-alcohol category is 15 per cent per year, compared with less than 1 per cent per year for total wine volume.

Underpinning these figures is a global lifestyle trend towards alcohol moderation, as is evident by more mindful drinking; ‘dry-month’ initiatives, such as Dry July and Sober October; and an increased focus on health and wellbeing, particularly among the younger demographic. In fact, according to Wine Intelligence, 39 per cent of regular wine drinkers globally claim to be reducing their alcohol intake. The figure for Australia is 46 per cent across all ages and 56 per cent of the 18-34 age group.**

“To make Giesen 0%, we go through the additional process of putting our full-strength wine through spinning-cone distillation to gently remove the alcohol component,” Mt Shouler says. “Alcohol-removed wine is actually more expensive to produce compared with its full-strength counterpart – 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 alcoholremoved wines every time we produce them.” says Shouler.

Giesen expects an increase in demand for the 0% range as Australian consumers come out of lockdown and head into the festive season. The perfect beverage to enjoy whilst reconnecting with friends and family, looking for healthy lifestyle options, or when starting to think about New Year’s resolutions.

With 70-80 per cent fewer calories than standard 12.5 per cent alcohol wines, this range provides a low-calorie options for those wishing to moderate their consumption while still enjoying a glass of wine – without the alcohol.

Tasting notes

Giesen 0% New Zealand Pinot Gris is crisp, with delicate floral notes of white flowers, lychee and red apple on the nose. The palate offers traditional Pinot Gris characters of apple and pear with just a touch of muscat grape. It’s light, delicious, and a lovely balance of acidity and sweetness. Only 18 calories per 100ml serving.

Giesen 0% New Zealand Rosé boasts delicious stone-fruit aromas of white peach, apple and fresh strawberries. Those apple and stone-fruit notes linger on the palate alongside crisp cranberry flavours and a lively, refreshingly dry texture. This wine is a fresh addition to any dinner table or social gathering. Only 13 calories per 100ml serving.

Both 0% wines feature fresh new packaging, with the 0% Sauvignon Blanc also transitioning to the new brand look later in 2021.

Giesen 0% Merlot, which will join the range in November 2021 and bring a vibrant red wine to complete the selection.

The 0% Rosé and 0% Pinot Gris have a recommended retail price of $18.99. They are available at retail outlets across Australia, including Sans Drinks, Dan Murphy’s, and Craft Zero.