Giesen Premium Red | Happy Every Hour Review
Let’s start with the bad news first. Red wine was never on the top of my list. However, my husband appreciates big red wine, so I’ve had my share of sips and can distinguish what I find flavorful. It’s been quite a journey to find de-alcoholized wines that I like. But there is a growing list that I appreciate. Unfortunately, Giesen’s premium red does not make that list.
Giesen’s range of wines are made in New Zealand to be 0% alcohol and low in calories. This family-owned business currently has seven styles of wine, from whites to sparkling to reds. They utilize an alcohol-removal methodology, which means they’re fermenting a wine via traditional processes and then using technology to distill off the alcohol. This process must take lots of experimentation to get the flavor balance as the alcohol is a contributing factor, and it’s being stripped away.
Giesen promotes flavor notes of crushed red berries, fresh plum, wild herbs, and subtle toasted oak. And although this Premium Red is a winner according to the World Alcohol-Free Awards and the Mindus Vini International Wine Awards, I cannot recommend it. This was not a balanced wine but instead carries a very strong taste solely of grape juice. As I’ve said with other brands, just because I don’t care for one variety, this does not keep me from trying their other styles. In this case, you’ll find I really liked their Riesling.
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Giesen Riesling | Happy Every Hour Review
You’ve likely seen Giesen on the shelves where you buy non-alcoholic beverages. At least in the US, they have a strong presence. You’ve been wondering how to pronounce it, though, haven’t you? Sounds like geese-in. This is a family name from a winery in New Zealand.
Giesen’s range of wines is made to be 0% alcohol and low in calories. They currently have seven styles of wine, from whites to sparkling to reds. They utilize an alcohol-removal methodology, which means they ferment a wine via traditional processes but then use cone technology to distill off the alcohol. This process must take lots of experimentation to get the flavor balance just right, as the alcohol is a contributing factor and is being stripped away.
Giesen promotes flavor notes of zingy lime, ripe mandarin, and delicious sweetness, balanced by a crisp finish. This Riesling is a winner according to the World Alcohol-Free Awards and a winner to me as well. While I don’t normally reach for a wine known for its sweet characteristics, I really enjoyed this refreshing white. And if you’re counting calories, it’s only 33 calories per 5-ounce serving.
Unfortunately, as you read above, I’m not a fan of Giesen’s Premium Red. But since we all have different taste buds, you may enjoy both. Don’t be shy to try their whole family of wines.
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