Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views Brancott’s new range of lighter-alcohol wines.
Sales of light and non-alcoholic wines are growing in New Zealand at such a rate that Brancott, one of our largest award-winning wineries, is meeting increased demand with their masterstroke selection of low-alcoholic wines.
For many wine lovers, low- and non-alcoholic wines taste like most other glasses of wine. Table wines are high in sugar and calories and because alcohol has a certain mouthfeel, low- and non-alcoholic wines are overshadowed by this and miss the mark when it comes to depth, flavour, and balance.
With the alcohol content by volume in table wines ranging from 13.5% to 16% and 15.5% to 25% in fortified wines, the challenge for winemakers is how to remove alcohol from fermented juice without impairing the mouthfeel and taste, balance, and quality. In winemaking, the fermentation of grapes not only produces alcohol but also aroma, flavour, texture, and complexity. The process is not easy to master and it’s expensive but achievable through the process of distillation, temperature, evaporation, condensation, and blending techniques.
On tasting these two wines, I was pleasantly surprised. Both reflected true individuality of what lighter alcohol wines are all about while setting the benchmark for other wineries to follow. And at $25, they are well priced and will charm you.
‘21 Brancott Estate Flight Pinot Gris
RRP $25
Although 20% lighter in alcohol, this is an easy-drinking wine full of fruity flavours and aromatics and delicately balanced with a clean and crisp freshness on the palate. Serve with fish, a playful selection of seared seafood, chicken risotto, pork, and veal.
‘22 Brancott Estate Flight Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $25
While lighter in alcohol and colour, the flavour has not been compromised, with herbaceous citrus and a lively crispness showing dryness and lots of character. Pair with seafood, chicken, turkey, salmon, pork. and summer leafy salads.
