Accolade Wines, an Australian wine company, has released its first zero-alcohol wine range – Hardys ZERO. With first-to-market access to de-alcoholisation technology, Accolade Wines is working to change perceptions around zero-alcohol wines, one bottle at a time.
Hardys ZERO is a new South Australian range crafted by one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic wineries, Hardys. The range is made using technology that gently de-alcoholises the wine while retaining natural flavours and body, without compromising on taste.
Hardys ZERO Shiraz is available now on shelves at Coles stores nationally with further varietals Hardys ZERO Chardonnay and Hardys ZERO Sparkling to launch later this year. Low in sugar and low calorie, the Hardys ZERO range offer wine lovers who are looking to moderate their alcohol consumption the chance to enjoy their favourite drops, minus the alcohol.
Accolade Wines ZERO lead winemaker, Paul Burnett, said the Hardys Zero range will give wine lovers who were previously sceptical about the world of zero-alcohol wines a lasting impression with the vibrant range retaining aroma, body, sensation and natural flavour.
“The Hardys Zero range is perfect for consumers wanting to take the leap into the world of zero-alcohol wines or those who may have been left unimpressed with zero-alcohol wine in the past,” Burnett said.
“With over 165 years of winemaking heritage, our winemaking team is committed to continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and providing consumers certainty in their wine choice every time – whether that be with, or without, alcohol.”
Several years ago, the perception was that low and no-alcohol wines meant a compromise on taste. But now there is new technology in use, that is no longer the case, Burnett said.
“Thanks to Accolade Wines’ significant investment, we can now offer a superior tasting experience versus other zero-alcohol wines. It’s a game changer for the industry.”
The Hardys ZERO range is crafted by carefully selecting parcels of the best grapes and de-alcoholising them using the Zero Tech X technology, which produces delicious and quality zero-alcohol wines with retained natural flavours, aroma and body.
With the alcohol removed but the natural flavours of full-strength wine retained, Hardys ZERO requires less sugary additives versus traditional de-alcoholising techniques. The results are low sugar, low calorie, zero alcohol wines – giving consumers zero reasons to not enjoy another glass.
Mindful drinking is on the rise globally, with consumers increasingly interested in products that embrace a more balanced lifestyle. Non-alcoholic wines are one of Australia’s fastest growing drink categories, with the annual growth rate for the category well above the total wine market.
The growth rate forecast by IWSR1 for the next five years (2021–25) is 15 per cent per annum on average, compared with less than 1 per cent per annum for total wine volume.
Burnett said even though the betterment trend and mindful drinking shows no signs of slowing, it’s essential that flavour and quality isn’t scarified when it comes to no-alcohol wine.
“We know consumers are increasingly more conscious of their alcohol consumption and on occasion are looking to switch to low-to-no alcohol options to find more balance. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of taste as part of their decision,” Burnett said.
“The Hardys ZERO range is crafted with the same care and passion as our alcoholic ranges; wines that Hardys fans around the globe know and love. Delivering the same great taste with zero alcohol, Hardys ZERO is the ideal wine for everyday or special occasions, and consumers who still want to enjoy the ritual and reward of a glass of quality wine, without the alcohol.”
Hardys ZERO Shiraz 2020 is blended from fruit picked at optimum maturity resulting in a wine that displays vibrant bright colours, a ripe flavour profile, and a rounded palate with soft fine tannins. Vintage 2020 was an excellent year for red wines in South Australia, resulting from a warm, dry summer season which provided ideal conditions for growing.
The Hardys ZERO Shiraz 2020 (RRP $13) is available at Coles nationally. The full range will be available later this year with further stockists to be announced.
For more information on Hardys Wines, visit www.hardyswines.com.