Brown Brothers, home to some of Australia's favourite wines for more than 135 years, is pleased to introduce its Zero range to the New Zealand market. The Zero range includes three alcohol-free wines that don't compromise on flavour. Brown Brothers Moscato Zero, Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosé Zero, and Brown Brothers Prosecco Zero have been created using innovative spinning-cone technology to remove the alcohol but leave them tasting as good as their full-strength counterparts, each with 0.5% alcohol content.
The demand for non-alcoholic wines and other drinks continues to grow, with many people either abstaining from alcohol or lessening their alcohol consumption to lead healthier lives. Fourth-generation family member and Brown Brothers winemaker Katherine Brown explained that overseas wine trends tend to take a little while to reach New Zealand shores but believe that consumers, particularly those in younger generations, will be eager to adopt some of the non-alcoholic drinking trends from around the world. Here are some non-alcoholic trends that Brown predicts New Zealanders will likely embrace over the year ahead.
"A step back from choosing to abstain from alcohol completely, damp drinking, damp lifestyle, or 'going damp' is about being more conscious about your alcohol intake and choosing occasions to celebrate with non-alcoholic alternatives or limiting the number of alcoholic drinks you may have in a single evening," said Brown.
"It's something we noticed gaining traction on TikTok earlier this year, and we believe some of the other trends we're starting to see have been directly influenced by the 'going damp' trend. Other pressures such as the increased cost of living and people choosing to entertain at home directly result from this."
Brown continued that younger generations were jam-packing their weekends with social activities that prioritise health as much as they prioritise fun. Unsurprisingly, they're the critical group driving these sober-curious trends.
"On a Saturday night out with friends, young people opt for a glass of Prosecco Zero rather than choosing to miss out completely."
Already popular internationally, a few other trends Brown Brothers believes will be heavily embraced locally in 2024 include dry dating, dry weddings, damp dinner parties, and the rise of breakfast clubs with friends and family hosted in the comfort of their homes.
Brown said it was intriguing to see how younger age groups were influencing and adopting these trends as they reinforce that being sober-curious or living a damp lifestyle doesn't mean you have to forgo fun.
Despite growing demand for non-alcoholic wines, Brown explained that many consumers say they're yet to find 'the one' when it comes to a non-alcoholic wine they love.
Non-alcoholic alternatives have been on the market for a few years now, and despite winemakers bringing new or improved wines to the market year after year, many consumers are still disappointed with the lack of flavour and range currently available, saying non-alcoholic alternatives are still overall inferior to their alcohol equivalents.
Brown Brothers is proud that its Moscato, Prosecco, and Prosecco Rosé drinkers will be hard-pressed to tell the difference between Brown Brothers Zero range and their alcoholic counterparts.
Emma Brown, Brown Brothers Head of Innovation and 4th generation Brown family, said that changing consumer preferences couldn't be ignored. Brown Brothers has embraced alcohol moderation with new and innovative products that meet consumer trends.
Brown Brothers Moscato Zero
Brown Brothers Moscato Zero is Brown Brothers' first Moscato Zero and a wine that the brand is immensely proud of, as the flavour profile is nearly identical to the classic Brown Brothers Moscato.
Made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes, this wine has lifted aromas of citrus, sherbet, and freshly cut grapes, making it an easy-drinking wine and a refreshing alternative for wine drinkers looking to moderate their alcohol intake without compromising on taste. Serve well, chilled, and enjoy while young and vibrant.
It's a versatile wine that accompanies any occasion, whether served with or without food, as an aperitif or table wine.
Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosé Zero
Bright, blushing pink in colour, this lively sparkling rosé is a vibrant take on Brown Brothers classic Prosecco Rosé. Its delicate nose displays strawberry, crisp apple, and citrus notes, making it tantalisingly fresh and seriously delicious.
Prosecco Rosé Zero is made to drink young at its light and delicate best.
Brown Brothers Prosecco Zero
A hallmark of everyday wine occasions, Brown Brothers Prosecco Zero is a brand-new wine that provides the ideal option for those looking for the perfect zero-alcohol wine to share with friends. This universally loved style of wine has classic Prosecco flavours of pear and green apple, with a crisp citrus tang on the finish. Designed to be consumed at its fresh and lively best.
While delicious, Brown Brothers Prosecco Zero is best paired with light seafood dishes such as whiting fillets or fresh prawns. It's also great paired with Camembert cheese and crackers or served alongside steamed broccolini and a lemon-infused oil dressing.
