The Award Winning Streak Continues For our Giesen Low & No Alcohol Wines
“2022 entries for the 1.2% and lower category were up over 225% versus the previous year demonstrating the continuing surge in popularity and relevance for these drinks.”
Our winemaking team always had a vision to create the best low and no-alcohol wines of quality. It was inherently in their DNA to reflect the same winemaking philosophies as other Giesen wines when they set out to make these products following a company-wide health challenge in 2020. We wanted to ensure that the wines represented the quality of our exceptional New Zealand vineyards, and yet still met a need for consumers to drink something delicious on those occasions when they were looking for something other than our award-winning wines. Now the hard efforts are being rewarded, with the winning streak of accolades continuing at the 2022 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) for both Giesen and Ara Wines (made by our winemaking team).
2022 IWSC Results: Alternative Drinks Category
This year the IWSC had a particular focus on the alterative drinks category. Recognition that the category is emerging quickly with lots of new options for consumers to explore, particularly on occasions like Dry July. The IWSC team reported “2022 entries for the 1.2% and lower category were up over 225% versus the previous year demonstrating the continuing surge in popularity and relevance for these drinks.”
David T Smith, member of the IWSC’s Judging Committee commented: “There has been real progress made in the low alcohol space over the past couple of years. It is very clear that producers are putting some serious time, effort, and innovation into increasing quality.
“The judges tasted the full spectrum of low alcohol drinks, from beer to wine through to the spirits and what has been great to see is how very good some of the alternatives to what we consider traditional alcoholic beverages are, and for those created to be a substitute, how difficult it would be to tell the difference between some of them.”
We’re thrilled to announce some exceptional results with the following scores received:
- Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc – Gold Medal, 95 points
- Giesen 0% Merlot – Gold Medal, 95 points
- Giesen 0% Rosé – Silver Medal, 91 points
- Giesen 6% Pure Light Sauvignon Blanc, Bronze Medal, 86 points
- Giesen 6% Pure Light Pinot Gris, Bronze Medal, 85 points
- Giesen 0% Riesling, Bronze Medal, 86 points
- Giesen 0% Pinot Gris, 85 points
The winemaking team continue to refine the process, getting to know the spinning cone technology that is now in house, and further optimise the wine. It’s such a thrill to see their labour of love rewarded.
Recognising the relevance of the low alcohol (under 1.2%), the IWSC is launching a new Low/No Alcohol Producer of the Year trophy this year. We eagerly await the shortlist which will be announced on Friday 22 July with the winner announced at the IWSC’s 2022 Awards Dinner & Industry Celebration on 29 September.
We’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve tried these Giesen Low/ No alcohol wines, feel free to share with us on Facebook or Instagram