ZONIN’s challenge has been to develop a product with wine-like characteristics that can closely replicate sparkling wine while containing less than 0.5% alcohol. This has been achieved through a spinning cone column distillation method, a gentle process of dealcoholisation that preserves the wine’s flavour and texture.
The wine pours a pale yellow with plenty of fizz. It starts with large bubbles, which gradually become finer. On the nose, it has a familiar Prosecco-like aroma and the taste sits between apple and pear. It is slightly sweeter than a traditional Prosecco, likely due to the need for some sweetness to replace the role of alcohol. The standout feature, however, is its great mouthfeel, which is unexpectedly fuller-bodied for a non-alcoholic wine, even more so than many Proseccos, with a lingering, wine-like aftertaste. Interestingly, the flavour profile holds up well as it warms, intensifying in the same way an alcoholic wine would.