Forest Wines The Doctors' Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Low-Alcohol Sauvignon

Today, health-consciousness is a global food trend. Even with wine, more and more people are choosing lower-alcohol options depending on the setting.

Amidst this trend, a wine with an alcohol content of less than 10% has emerged from New Zealand.

This low-alcohol wine was released by "Forrest Wines" in Marlborough.

Founder Dr. John Forrest holds a PhD in neurophysiology. His wife, Dr. Brigid Forrest, is a physician who has worked in obstetrics and geriatric medicine.

Born from the health-conscious vision of these two doctors—and their daughter Beth, who currently serves as head winemaker—this low-alcohol series is known as "THE DOCTORS'."

As for the intriguing aroma and taste...

The aroma is somewhat restrained. While it lacks the intense fruitiness typical of classic Marlborough wines, you can detect gentle herbal notes and subtle hints of citrus.

The palate, by contrast, is distinctly fruity. Beneath its light profile, there is a solid presence of lime and passion fruit, accompanied by the gentle herbal nuances of chervil.

Despite having an alcohol content of only 9.5%, the result is satisfying and lacks nothing in flavor.

As expected from a new wine released by Forrest Wines—who have spent years working with Sauvignon Blanc—this bottle skillfully expresses the best qualities of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc while maintaining a light and fresh finish.

In recent years, common technologies for reducing alcohol in wine include "reverse osmosis using semi-permeable membranes" or the "Spinning Cone Column (SCC) method," both of which involve scientifically removing alcohol from finished wine.

However, the doctors at Forrest Wines chose not to take that approach.

"Scientifically removing alcohol inevitably compromises the flavor. If it doesn't bring out the best qualities of a Marlborough wine, such methods shouldn't be used."

Thinking this way, after much trial and error, they arrived at a method not of manipulating the finished wine, but of "selective leaf removal" in the vineyard.

What exactly does that entail?

Selective leaf removal involves intentionally cutting away young leaves from the vines to reduce the rate of photosynthesis. By doing so, they can control the vine's sugar production.

The grapes that ripen this way are low in sugar, yet they still retain the full "compounds responsible for the wine's aroma" derived from the abundant sunshine.

By using these grapes, they are able to create a low-alcohol wine with a quality that holds its own against standard wines.

This is the "THE DOCTORS'" series, packed with their own unique ingenuity.

Naturally, it is best enjoyed in situations where you can appreciate its light, refreshing profile.

For instance, outdoors—under a shade umbrella. A well-chilled, low-alcohol wine would be a perfect companion.

It is also a fantastic choice for parties where some guests may not be very familiar with wine or may not be used to higher alcohol levels.

I believe it serves as a great entry-level wine, an ideal way to start with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and then open the door to the diverse world of New Zealand wine.

Pair it with casual lunch menus.

It would be a perfect match for tuna or mackerel sandwiches, Banh Mi, or fish and chips.

About the Winery: "Forrest Wines"

Image source: Forrest Wines, home of The Doctors

For over 30 years, Forrest Wines has established a solid reputation in the New Zealand wine industry. Their home is located in the Wairau Valley of the Marlborough region, one of New Zealand's premier wine-producing areas.

This land has been the Forrest family’s home for generations and is a place they hold dear. Their winemaking is deeply rooted in their love and connection to this land, with a focus on making the most of the local natural environment.

Founders John and Brigid Forrest originally had successful careers in scientific research and medicine. However, in the late 1980s, when the New Zealand wine industry was still in its infancy, they took a bold career turn, choosing to return home to establish their own winery.

Their philosophy of winemaking blends scientific knowledge with the power of nature. Their very first vintage in 1990—a Merlot Rosé—won a trophy, and they have continued to produce innovative wines ever since.

Their wines are highly regarded by wine lovers and experts around the world. Especially in the Marlborough region, where the wine industry is increasingly scaling up, the strong dedication found in their family-run business is expressed through their unique, high-quality products.

Unlike large-scale wineries, they maintain high quality despite small production volumes, pursuing both tradition and innovation.

Currently, their daughter, Beth Forrest, oversees operations. Utilizing the knowledge and skills she gained at the University of Adelaide in Australia, she brings a breath of fresh air to the winery. She aims to create wines that meet modern needs while preserving her family's traditions.

Under Beth's leadership, the winery is producing more diverse and distinctive wines than ever before, ready to pass its legacy on to the next generation.

Their products have received numerous awards in both domestic and international competitions, with their high quality stemming from the balance between the natural environment and their scientific approach. This consistent quality control and respect for nature breathe life into every bottle.

Dr. John Forrest (Founder)

Born and raised in Marlborough, New Zealand, in 1955, Dr. John Forrest obtained his PhD in neurophysiology before returning to Marlborough as a grape grower in 1988, where he co-founded Forrest Wines with his wife, Brigid. As a pioneer of low-alcohol wines and the use of screw caps, he has helped unlock the potential of New Zealand wine.

Dr. Brigid Forrest (Founder)

Dr. Brigid Forrest has been involved in the operation and management of the winery while also working as a physician for over 30 years. She specialized in pregnancy and birth care in general practice, served as a local geriatrician managing the physical and mental health of the elderly, and provided hospice care, supporting people in living fulfilling lives until their final days.

Beth Forrest (General Manager / Winemaker)

Beth Forrest holds a Master’s degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide, bringing a wealth of knowledge, youth, and passion for winemaking to Forrest Wines. She continues the winery's innovative and cutting-edge approach, even incorporating "mad scientist" theories at times, and contributes significantly to the growth of Forrest Wines.

About the Marlborough Region

"Marlborough" is the heart of New Zealand's wine country.

With abundant sunshine and a large temperature difference between day and night, the region provides ideal natural conditions for grape cultivation, and over 80% of all New Zealand wine is produced here.

Among these, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its sharp acidity and overflowing fruit flavors, boasts overwhelming production volume and is widely loved around the world for its one-of-a-kind character. Among red wines, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit profile, is also highly popular.

Forrest Wines The Doctors Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Category	Details
Winery Name	Forrest
Country	New Zealand
Region	Marlborough
Type	White
Grape Variety	Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage	2024
Alcohol Content	9.5%
Volume	750ml
Certifications	Vegan-friendly AMW Certified Sustainable Certified
Notes	Screw cap