Winery & Vintage Info
50% less alcohol, 45% less calories* without compromising on flavour.
Giesen vineyards saw a smooth start to the 2022 growing season. Winter and spring both exceeded the long-term rainfall average, while settled weather throughout the all-important flowering period aided fruit set. Summer temperatures were ahead of the long-term average with cooler February and March temperatures supporting a long slow ripening period - perfect for early flavour development and retaining acid levels. Cool temperatures allowed the team to pick fruit ahead of the usual vintage timeline.
Fully ripe Merlot grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness, then fermented on skins for 21 days to give a rich, dark coloured classic New Zealand Merlot. After ageing on French oak for 6 months, the wine was delicately de-alcoholised using spinning cone at our Marlborough winery. The resultant wine shows the fullness and body of a classic New Zealand Merlot, with ripe flavour and great structure, yet with only half the alcohol content, and less than half the calories.
