Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand’s Marlborough region are renowned worldwide for their vibrant acidity, crisp dryness, and bold flavours. That’s all thanks to the region’s cool climate and long sunshine hours. These wines are often the gold standard when it comes to crisp whites, offering a complexity of flavours and a refreshing finish. So, when a non-alcoholic version enters the market, it faces the daunting challenge of living up to the legacy of its alcoholic counterparts. That’s exactly what Ara Wines set out to achieve with their Zero brand, of which the Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc is their signature.
With over 25 years of winemaking experience in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, Ara Wines is no stranger to crafting exceptional wines. They’re known for producing high-quality, premium Sauvignon Blancs and other varietals suited to the region’s unique terroir. Ara Zero stands as their answer to the growing demand for non-alcoholic options. And they’ve managed to create a wine that retains much of the character of their full-bodied alcoholic versions. Using the spinning cone method to remove the alcohol, Ara has obviously worked hard to preserve the signature fruity and flinty flavour that Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs are known for.
So, the big question is: does Ara Zero succeed in delivering on that promise?
Let’s dive in.
Appearance
Pour Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc, and it presents as a wine that’s clearly connected to its roots in Marlborough. The colour is a pale straw, typical of the region’s dry, crisp whites. It’s bright and clear. There’s a subtle greenish tint at the rim, suggesting the wine’s youthful nature, much like its alcoholic siblings. Gently swirl the wine and it leaves behind graceful, slow-moving legs, which is typically a sign of good quality winemaking. The overall presentation is clean, elegant, and visually inviting – characteristics that immediately make it appealing. If you’ve ever poured a Marlborough Sauvignon, this will feel very familiar, and that’s a good start.
Aroma
The nose of Ara Zero is a true reflection of the region’s signature aromatic profile, offering a burst of citrus fruit right from the first sniff. You’ll immediately notice the sharp and refreshing scents of grapefruit and lime, which are the hallmark of many Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. Beneath these lively citrus notes, there’s a delicate undercurrent of blackcurrant, adding a layer of complexity to the wine’s fragrance. The more you inhale, the more you’ll detect faint herbal notes – think of fresh-cut grass or a touch of bell pepper, which are classic elements in this style of wine. Overall, the aroma is fresh, vibrant, and complex, giving you a clear sense of the fruit-forward character that the wine will deliver on the palate. While the intensity of the nose is slightly subdued compared to the more robust alcoholic versions, it still offers a satisfying bouquet.
Taste
Upon tasting, Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc really shines, presenting a well-balanced and harmonious flavour profile. The wine is led by the tangy, zesty citrus notes that are present in the aroma, with grapefruit taking centre stage. As the wine settles on your palate, you’ll also encounter a refreshing burst of lime, which adds a sharpness that complements the grapefruit’s natural bitterness. Alongside these citrus flavours, there are tropical notes of passionfruit and pineapple that add a rich, juicy sweetness without overpowering the dryness. The minerality is another standout feature, as it imparts a crisp, clean edge that is characteristic of Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough. This minerality also helps balance the fruitiness, keeping the wine dry and refreshing. The flavours are well-integrated, and the citrus and tropical notes blend seamlessly, giving a smooth and cohesive taste experience.
While it may not have the same punch as an alcoholic version, the overall flavour profile is incredibly enjoyable, with each sip delivering a vibrant, fruit-driven experience that is both refreshing and satisfying. There’s enough complexity here to keep things interesting without becoming overwhelming, making it an ideal wine for those who enjoy a lighter, more approachable Sauvignon Blanc.
Mouthfeel
One area where Ara Zero differentiates itself from its alcoholic counterpart is the mouthfeel. The wine has a smooth and light body, but it lacks the fuller, more rounded texture typically found in alcoholic Sauvignon Blancs. The juiciness of the fruit is still present. However, the wine feels slightly thinner on the palate, which can give the impression that it’s a bit “squeezed” compared to its regular version. This isn’t necessarily a negative, but it’s a noticeable difference. The lighter mouthfeel can make the wine feel more refreshing. But those who are used to the fuller, richer body of a traditional Sauvignon Blanc might find it a bit less satisfying in terms of texture. That said, the wine is by no means unpleasant to drink. And the slight thinness doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment.
The acidity is perfectly balanced. It provides a clean and refreshing sensation, and the wine’s smoothness helps it glide easily over the palate. The overall mouthfeel is still quite pleasant, even if it feels a bit more delicate compared to the alcoholic versions.
Finish
Ara Zero finishes on a bright, crisp note that leaves your palate feeling refreshed. The citrus flavours linger for a short while, offering a zesty, clean conclusion to the wine. Sure, the finish isn’t as long-lasting as that of an alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc. However, it still offers a satisfying and crisp end to the tasting experience. There’s no lingering sweetness or bitterness, just a clean, dry finish that makes you want to take another sip. The acidity plays a key role here. It enhances the refreshing nature of the wine and leaving a lasting sense of purity. While the finish could be a bit longer to add a bit more depth, it’s still a pleasant and enjoyable conclusion that wraps up the tasting nicely.
Pairing Suggestions
Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of foods, particularly lighter, fresher dishes. Its bright citrus and tropical fruit flavours make it an excellent companion for goat’s cheese salad, where the acidity can cut through the creamy texture of the cheese. Grilled shrimp or bruschetta would also work well, with the wine’s crispness enhancing the freshness of these dishes. For mains, this wine would match well with simply grilled or barbecued fish. The dry finish and minerality would complement the delicate flavours of the fish without overwhelming them. The wine’s refreshing qualities make it perfect for casual meals or alfresco dining, particularly on warm, sunny days.
Overall Impression
Ara Wines have done an excellent job. They’ve crafted a non-alcoholic version of a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that retains much of the essential character of the alcoholic original. The wine is bright and fruit-forward. The citrus and tropical notes shine through and are balanced by a crisp, dry finish. While the mouthfeel is a bit lighter than its alcoholic counterpart, it’s still very pleasant to drink. The wine’s overall flavour profile is engaging and enjoyable.
For those who are seeking a non-alcoholic wine that holds up well to its traditional counterpart, Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc is a standout choice. It captures much of the vibrant, crisp nature of Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs while being a refreshing and satisfying option for those avoiding alcohol. If you’re a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, this is definitely worth picking up. I know I will be grabbing a few bottles for myself.