By Christine Salins.
Brown Brothers Ultra Low Prosecco
At its quaintly named ‘kindergarten’ winery, Brown Brothers of Milawa trials small batches of new grape varieties and different winemaking techniques. The company is a leader in wine innovation, its broad portfolio extending to varieties that many Australians are unfamiliar with.
It’s not surprising then that the company has jumped onto the trend towards no and low alcohol wines. The latest addition to its growing Prosecco range is Australiaʼs first Ultra Low Prosecco, a full-flavoured sparkling wine with just 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).
While the no and low alcohol category has seen tremendous growth, Emma Brown, fourth generation Brown family member, says finding a decent low-alcohol Prosecco has remained a challenge, particularly when trying to replicate its traditional vibrant and refreshing taste.
Minchinbury 0 Chardonnay
“Rather than resisting the trend, weʼve eagerly leant into it,” said Emma. The company drew on innovative spinning-cone technology to remove the alcohol from its Prosecco without compromising on flavour. “The process leaves a trace amount of alcohol, helping create mouthfeel and flavour which has been missing from the category to date.”
Hitting almost $10 billion in sales across 10 key global markets including Australia in 2021, the no and low alcohol trend isnʼt showing any signs of slowing down.
Minchinbury, an Australian wine brand with a legacy spanning three centuries, is also stepping into the future with the release of its zero-alcohol wine collection, Minchinbury 0, available from Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores.
The range includes a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Brut Cuvée, Shiraz and Rosé, with red wines to be added later this year. The release marks a new era for Minchinbury, as it adapts to the fast-growing number of consumers looking to cut back on their alcohol intake.
Minchinbury 0 Rosé
Accolade Wines’ zero-alcohol range, Hardys Zero, includes a Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sparkling, made with de-alcoholisation technology Zero Tech X, also designed to retain natural flavours without affecting the taste.
The Shiraz is currently in stock at Coles; others to be added later in the year. If you’ve been unimpressed with no and low alcohol wines in the past, now could be the time to leap into a whole new world without the alcohol.
Brown Brothers Ultra Low Prosecco, $20: Light, bright and approachable, this refreshingly dry, zesty Prosecco has lively flavours of pear, green apple and citrus. Soft, round and easy to drink, the whole bottle has no more alcohol than half a standard drink.
Minchinbury O Alcohol Chardonnay, $11: For a Chardonnay lover like me, this was a challenge, but for those who want to enjoy a refreshing drop without the alcohol, it’s an option. With citrus and tropical fruit notes, it has crisp acidity and hints of apple and pear.
Minchinbury O Alcohol Rosé, $11: Strawberries and cream, soft and easy to drink, with an enticing aroma and bright aftertaste.
Hardys Zero Shiraz, $13: Generously flavoured with bright red berry notes and soft fine tannins, I’d recommend this Shiraz be served slightly chilled.
