Low alcohol Sauvignon

Health-conscious food trends are the current trend around the world. More and more people are choosing low-alcohol wines depending on the occasion.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has also released wines with an alcohol content of less than 10%.

The first to release a low-alcohol wine is Forest Wines of Marlborough.

Founder John Forrest is a doctor of neurophysiology, and his wife Brigid Forrest is a physician with a background in obstetrics and geriatrics.

The two doctors and their daughter Beth, who is now head winemaker, created the low-alcohol wine series "DOCTORS'" with the hope of promoting people's health.

The smell and taste you're curious about...

The aroma is a little subtle. It doesn't have the strong fruity aroma of a typical Marlborough wine, but you can detect gentle herbal and subtle citrus flavors.

The taste is fruity , in stark contrast to the original. It has a light texture, with strong hints of lime and passion fruit , and a hint of gentle herbs like chervil .

Even though it has an alcohol content of 9.5% , the taste is not lacking in anything.

As expected, this new wine from Forest Wines, which has been working with Sauvignon Blanc for many years, has a light and fresh taste that properly expresses the good qualities of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

In recent years, the most commonly used techniques for reducing the alcohol content of wine are methods that scientifically remove alcohol from regular wine, such as "reverse osmosis using a semipermeable membrane" and "a method using a device called SCC (spinning cone column)."

But the doctors at Forest Wines didn't choose to go that route.

"When you remove the alcohol scientifically, you inevitably lose flavour. If you're not going to bring out the best in Marlborough wines, then you shouldn't use that method."

With this in mind, after much trial and error they came to the conclusion that rather than tampering with the finished wine, they decided to use "selective leaf removal" in the vineyards .

What on earth is it like?

Selective defoliation is a method of deliberately cutting off young grape leaves to reduce the amount of photosynthesis, thereby controlling the amount of sugar produced by the grapes.

Although the fully ripe grapes in this way have little sugar, they still contain a good amount of the compounds that give the wine its aroma, obtained from the abundant sunlight.

By using these grapes, it is possible to produce low-alcohol wine that is of quality comparable to regular wine.

"DOCTORS'" is filled with their unique ideas.

I think it's best enjoyed in a situation that makes the most of its smooth flavor.

For example, outdoors, under shade to block the sun, a well-chilled low-alcohol wine would go well with it.

I also think it's perfect for parties where there are people who aren't very familiar with wine or aren't very used to alcohol.

This is a great entry wine to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and open the door to the diverse world of New Zealand wine.

The food that goes with it is a simple lunch menu.

Tuna or mackerel sandwiches, banh mi or fish and chips would all be perfect companions.

Winery " About Forest Wines

Image source: Forrest Wines, home of The Doctors

Forest Wines has been a strong presence in the New Zealand wine industry for over 30 years and is based in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand's leading wine region.

This land has been home to the Forrest family for generations and is dear to them, and their winemaking is tied to a deep love for the place and a focus on making the most of the local natural environment.

Founders John and Brigid Forrest had successful careers in scientific research and medicine but in the late 1980s, at a time when New Zealand's wine industry was still in its infancy, they made a brave career change and decided to return home to set up a winery.

Their winemaking aims to combine scientific knowledge with the power of nature. As a result, their first vintage, a Merlot Rosé, won a trophy in 1990, and they have continued to produce innovative wines ever since.

Their wines are highly regarded by wine lovers and experts around the world, particularly in the Marlborough region where the wine industry is expanding at a large scale, and the strong commitment that comes with being a family business is reflected in the unique quality of their products.

Unlike large wineries, we produce small quantities of wine but maintain high quality, pursuing both tradition and innovation.

Currently, his daughter Beth Forrest is in charge of running the winery, bringing a breath of fresh air to the winery with the knowledge and skills she acquired at the University of Adelaide in Australia. She aims to create wines that meet the needs of today while preserving the family traditions.

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

Their products have won numerous awards in domestic and international competitions, and their high quality is due to the balance between the natural environment and a scientific approach. Their consistent quality control and respect for nature are embodied in every bottle.

Dr. John Forrest (Founder)

Born and raised in Marlborough, New Zealand in 1955, Dr. John Forrest returned to Marlborough as a wine grower in 1988 after earning his PhD in neurophysiology, and founded Forrest Wines with his wife Brigid. He is a pioneer of low-alcohol wines and screw caps, opening up the possibilities of New Zealand wine.

Dr. Brigid Forrest (Founder)

While working and managing the winery, Dr. Brigid Forrest has also worked as a physician for over 30 years, specializing in pregnancy and childbirth care in general practice, as a community geriatrician providing physical and mental health care to the elderly, and in hospice care, helping people live fuller lives until the end of their lives.

Beth Forrest (General Manager/Winemaker)

Beth Forrest has a Master's degree in Enology from the University of Adelaide and brings a wealth of knowledge, youth and passion for winemaking to Forrest Wines. She continues to contribute to the development of Forrest Wines by inheriting an innovative and cutting-edge approach, sometimes incorporating theories like those of a "mad scientist."

About Marlborough

Marlborough is the heart of New Zealand's wine region.

Marlborough has ideal natural conditions for grape growing, such as abundant sunshine and large temperature differences throughout the day, and more than 80% of New Zealand's wine is produced there.

Among them, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, is produced in overwhelming quantities and is loved worldwide for its unique character. In addition, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit flavor, is also popular among red wines.

Forest Wines The Doctors Riesling 2022 Riesling 2022)

item	Content
Winery Name	Forest
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	white
Grape variety	Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage	2022
Alcohol content	9.5%
capacity	750ml
Certification etc.	Vegan Friendly AMW Certified Sustainable
remarks	Screw Cap