This time of year more emphasis is placed on gathering with friends, and certainly for many the pace of gatherings increases substantially. But most of us gather with friends regardless of the season and when we do it’s likely that the folks we gather with will have different wine preferences. Some will prefer white wines or bubbles (that would be me) and others a hearty red (that would be Peter.) So, today we are sharing our tasting notes on a trio of wines that will suit many of your friends and even those who celebrate Dry January. We received these wines as tasting samples.
Giesen 0% Chardonnay NV, New Zealand — pale yellow with aromas of underripe pears and citrus. Flavors follow the aromas with tart citrus and underripe pear flavors. The wine has a bit of roundness. 0% ABV. SRP $16.99
The family-owned Giesen Group of New Zealand was founded in 1981 by brothers Theo, Alex and Marcel. The winery is based in Marlborough and makes a range of wines including organic Clayvin Single Vineyard wines, Giesen Estate wines and Giesen 0% range.
Giesen 0% Chardonnay is the latest addition to Geisen’s range of non-alcohol wines. To say Giesen has gone all in on non-alcohol wines is something of an understatement. Their range of non-alc wines now includes: Sparkling Brut, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Rosé, and Premium Red in addition to Chardonnay. Giesen also makes a range of low-alcohol wines. In order to control the entire winemaking process, Giesen has invested in the spinning cone technology in-house.
Last year we wrote about the Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut and that wine shares a very tart flavor profile with the Chardonnay. It won’t suit every wine drinker, but for those who prefer tart wines or are motivated to drink 0% alcohol wines, it may suit. In that prior post we talked a bit more about the spinning cone technology. There is a link in that post where chief winemaker, Duncan Shouler, explains the process in detail.
If you are curious about the various ways non-alcohol wine is made see this Just Drinks article.
Giesen wines are imported by Opici Wines & Spirits. Thanks to Gregory+Vine for organizing our tasting.
FIOL Prosecco Extra Dry NV, Prosecco DOC — very pale yellow with energetic, frothy bubbles and generous floral and spice aromas. Flavors are complex and include white flowers and citrus with good acidity and just a hint of sweetness. The bubbles are small and sharp. 11% ABV. SRP $19/750 ml. Also available in larger format bottles perfect for a gathering: $39/1.5 L
Comprised of 100% Glera, the wine underwent the second fermentation in tank, as is customary for Prosecco, to produce those lovely bubbles. Prosecco DOC requires 30 days in-tank, but FIOL Prosecco Extra Dry spends 40 days to lend additional flavors.
FIOL (pronounced FEE-yol) was founded by a trio of lifelong friends from Treviso in 2011. FIOL Prosecco is made using grapes sourced from an astonishing 2300 farmers from more than 14,800 acres around Prosecco’s heartland, Treviso. That’s a lot of different terroirs represented in one wine!
FIOL Extra Dry is low in alcohol, reasonably priced and, at 16 g/L of sugar, is just a touch sweet. The flavors are complex and enjoyable on their own and will make an excellent addition to a spritz or cocktail. For cocktail inspiration see the FIOL website. If rosé bubbly is your preference, look for FIOL Extra Dry Rosé Prosecco.
Thanks to Creative Palate Communications for organizing our tasting.
2023 Trivento Reserve Maximum Red Blend, Mendoza, Argentina — dark ruby with aromas of blueberries, plums and smoke. Flavors include red plums, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and dried herbs with a hint of tar in the background. Tannins are substantial and grippy in a medium body. SRP $11
The price certainly makes this wine attractive, especially if you’re having a large crowd.
The blend is 50/50 Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that was fermented in stainless steel then aged for six months in a mix of French and American oak, 40% new. The wine takes its name from Bodega Trivento Winemaker, Maximiliano ‘Maxi’ Ortiz. It is crafted for maximum appeal.
Bodega Trivento was established in 1996 in Mendoza, Argentina. The name means three winds, for the Polar, Zonda and Sudestada winds that blow across Mendoza. Bodega Trivento is part of the larger Chilean winery, Concha y Toro and is a Certified B Corp. It is known for its Malbec and was named the top selling Argentinian wine worldwide in 2024 for the fourth consecutive year.
Thanks to Jarvis Communications for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
