Giesen 0% Chardonnay

Giesen 0% Chardonnay is proof that taking the alcohol out doesn't mean taking the character out too. Giesen was the first New Zealand winery to install spinning cone technology, which lets them make a full-strength Chardonnay first, then gently draw off the alcohol at low temperature so the aroma and flavour stay largely intact. The fruit comes from Hawke's Bay and Waipara, cool-climate regions chosen for exactly this kind of wine, and a portion is put through malolactic fermentation and aged in French oak for a creamy, toasty edge, while the rest stays in stainless steel for freshness. The result drinks like a proper dry Chardonnay: citrus and stonefruit, a touch of buttery richness, and barely a whisper of alcohol at just 0.5%.

What the winery says:

Made from classic, cool-climate grapes sourced from Hawke's Bay and Waipara: Hawke's Bay brings ripe peach, stonefruit and mealy notes, while Waipara adds citrus fruit and crisp acidity. As with the rest of the Giesen 0% range, a full-strength wine is made first, then the alcohol is gently removed using Giesen's own spinning cone technology to preserve the delicate aromas and flavours. A portion of the base wine undergoes malolactic fermentation for a creamy mouthfeel and butterscotch character, then is aged on French oak for toasty complexity, while the remaining portion is aged in stainless steel to keep its purity, freshness and bright New Zealand acidity. The result is a smooth, dry-style Chardonnay with citrus, ripe peach and stonefruit, a subtle French oak influence, and a long, silky finish. Contains not more than 0.5% alcohol by volume. Serve chilled.