Low alcohol range exceeds trophy winners’ expectations two decades on

The Vintech Pacific Best Low Alcohol Wine trophy returned to the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

It was the first time for a number of years that the trophy was up for contention, and it was taken home by The Doctors’ Riesling 2022.

Forrest Wines General Manager and Winemaker Beth Forrest says the company, founded by her parents in 1988, has been making low alcohol wines for 20 years.

She shared with us a little bit about the wine, how their low alcohol winemaking journey began, and where she sees the Marlborough wine industry heading…

Congratulations on receiving the Vintech Pacific Best Low Alcohol Wine trophy - the first of its kind for a while. How did it feel to be crowned low alcohol champions for 2023?

Extremely satisfying. Lower alcohol wines have been our wheelhouse for some time, and the Riesling is where it all started so it is always good to take out the competition with our first and best example of great lower alcohol wine!

How long have you been producing low alcohol wines? Are you finding there’s an increasing demand for them? If so - why do you think that is?

We have been making lower alcohol wines for over 20 years at Forrest. Ours are a little different in that they are 100% naturally produced in the vineyard, using alternative viticulture techniques. They’re an overnight success that took 20 years – the development of the ‘better for you’ generation or conscious consumer has brought along a demand for lower-alcohol and no-alcohol products that we never expected.

Aside from demand, what was the driver behind exploring a low-alcohol offering?

There wasn’t a demand at all when we began this journey! But, it was the mind of the mad scientist, John (Forrest), who first saw the popularity of this classic Kabinett style, and heard many comments that people ‘enjoyed that they could drink it without the side-effects of too much alcohol’, or as a ‘lunch treat’ with their girlfriends. This realisation, that alcohol mattered at the back of people’s conscience, drove a research and development project for other varietals, like our world famous Sauvignon Blanc.

How would you describe The Doctors’ Riesling 2022? Was there anything about the 2022 vintage that made it a particular standout?

The 2022 Drs’ Riesling is the perfect balance of sweet and zesty! It always takes me back to making lime sherbet as a kid. That initial delicious apricot, mango, sugar-hit and then this tart, fresh, zippy tang of citrus and granny smith apple that freshens the palate and makes it salivate for more!

While always a great wine, the 2022 vintage allowed for some long, slow ripening, so the fruit intensity is elevated and the acid and phenolics have found their optimal balance; it’s the very best version of The Doctors’ Riesling!

Marlborough, as you know, is celebrating 50 years of modern winemaking this year. Forrest joined the revolution reasonably early in the piece. How does it feel to be still receiving accolades, particularly those awarded by your peers all these years later?

The accolades are a reminder that you're relevant, that what you’re making, the styles and varietals you're experimenting with are exciting people! I love seeing Forrest awarded for a plethora of varieties as it brings confidence that the winemaking style and passion is bright for the future. We haven't become a one-trick-pony, but an example of exceptional passion for wine across the board.

Do you have any predictions for the Marlborough wine industry over the next 50 years?

It will look very different to the landscape we know today! However, I grew up on an apple orchard surrounded by the Nashi pear and nectarine orchards at Framingham, and the sheep and beef farm at Conders Forest. I wouldn’t change the fast-paced, dynamic development of Marlborough’s wine story for anything, and I think the ability to innovate, change, and chase a dream will mean Marlborough stays relevant for many generations beyond mine.