Big guns banking on zero-alcohol wines

Let's be brutally honest. Most zero-alcohol and low-alcohol wines are pretty dreadful.

Despite claims to the contrary, many of them simply do not taste like wine.

But industry global big guns Accolade are betting they can do better.

In announcement that got a lot of traction in Britain and South Africa, but flew under the radar in Australia, Accolade has announced it believes it can do better its rivals with a new label called &Then (which, let's be honest, is a dreadful start).

Accolade says &Then is "driven by a desire to elevate the experience of drinking zero-alcohol wines".

It describes the zero-alcohol chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon as "a visionary new collection from South Australia’s cool-climate vineyards" that is "bottled using a revolutionary new de-alcoholising technology".

The result, Accolade says, is "a premium drinking experience and a credible wine alternative that tastes better than any other zero-­alcohol wine on the market".

A pretty confident claim.

Apparently, &Then’s proprietary de-alcoholising technique, The Zero Tech X technology, treats the wine more gently than other de-alcoholising methods.

This, it is claimed, ensures more of the aroma, body and flavour of full-strength wine is retained.

The process also requires fewer sugary additives compared with existing de-alcoholising methods.

The two varietals will be shortly followed by a "Provence-style" rosé, and a Blanc De Blancs sparkling.

The proof, as ever, will be in the tasting.

&Then will be available from June in 750ml format bottles with an RRP of £8 across retail, pubs and bars in the UK.

No news yet on an Australian launch date.

Global wine behemoth swoops to buy Barossa boutique producer

Global wine company Accolade Wines has confirmed the acquisition of Rolf Binder Wines in the Barossa Valley as part of its on-going growth strategy. 

Rolf Binder was established in 1955 as Veritas Wines by Rolf Heinrich Binder and his wife, Franziska, and is now run by his son Rolf Binder Jnr and daughter Christa Deans.

The Binder family produces a range of highly acclaimed premium Barossa wines using fruit from their own vineyards. They specialise in red wines.

The Accolade Wines portfolio includes Houghton, Hardys, Grant Burge, St Hallett, Petaluma, Banrock Station, and Katnook, as well as House of Arras and Jam Shed.

This is the second acquisition under new CEO Robert Foye, following the purchase of Katnook Estate in Coonawarra late last year. 

“We are delighted to bring a business with such legacy and deep experience in the Barossa Valley as Rolf Binder into the Accolade Wines family,” Foye said. 

“We are excited about the role the Rolf Binder brand will play in our diverse portfolio and the role the Rolf Binder premium red and white grapes will have in supporting Accolade’s other Barossa brands, including Grant Burge and St Hallett.”

The Rolf Binder winery, including more than 100 hectares of vineyard, was offered for sale by the family last year.

 

“We are excited to announce that Accolade Wines is taking on Rolf Binder Wines," said Rolf Binder Jnr. "As one of the biggest wine companies in the world, we believe Accolade has the capacity to take Rolf Binder wines global. 

"This announcement is also great news for the Barossa and this additional investment will continue to support the Barossa’s profile as a leading global wine region.”

No purchase price was revealed. 

Major move for star Australian winemaker

Wine industry veteran Teresa Heuzenroeder has been appointed senior winemaker and manager for Accolade Wines’ historic Tintara facility in McLaren Vale. 

In addition, she will take on the role of senior winemaker for the Petaluma and Croser brands.

The announcement follows the decision by Mike Mudge to step down from the role of senior winemaker and manager at Petaluma.

Heuzenroeder spent almost 27 years with Yalumba and Hill Smith Family Wines, with 15 years in the role of senior winemaker. She is renowned for her prowess with sparkling wines and whites, particularly Heggies rieslings.

“Having the opportunity to join the amazing team at Accolade Wines and learn from world-class experts was a big drawcard for me," Heuzenroeder said.

"The Tintara site has such strong heritage as a distinguished wine-making facility and I am so excited to work with some of the most respected Australian wine brands. I look forward to coming on-board with Accolade Wines and bringing a new set of skills and perspective to help take these wines to new levels.”

Sandy Mayo, Chief Marketing Officer at Accolade Wines, said: “We recently bid farewell to Mike Mudge. Mike has been integral to the growth and success of the Petaluma and Croser brands, and has been an upholder of quality and an ambassador for the Adelaide Hills region.

"We would like to thank Mike for his outstanding contribution to Petaluma and Croser over 30 years and we wish him and his family every success for the future.”

Last year, Accolade Wines announced that, due to increased demand for the Petaluma and Croser brands, it had reached capacity at Woodside Estate in the Adelaide Hills and outgrown the site.

The decision was made to move production of the Petaluma and Croser portfolio to the Company’s Tintara facility in McLaren Vale to support the ongoing and planned growth of Petaluma and Croser, in Australia and internationally.

The company is currently investigating new locations for the Petaluma cellar door to reach even more Petaluma consumers and provide new and interesting experiences for wine and food lovers.

“Teresa, who is well known to the industry, is a highly experienced winemaker," Mayo said. "We are excited for her to join our talented team at Tintara and look forward to seeing the great work she does in her new role.”

Hardys Tintara has grown to become Accolade Wine’s largest premium winery and state-of-the-art wine-making facility.

Acolade Wines' diverse portfolio is made up of Australian wine brands including Hardys, Grant Burge, St Hallett, Petaluma, Banrock Station and Katnook.