Plus & Minus Shiraz: now, that’s a good name for a non-alcoholic wine.
Yes, you’re removing the alcohol, but think of all the positives that come with it. The minus itself becomes a plus. If you want to get all rhetorically complex, that is. Which we probably don’t at this stage. So, let’s just get on to what their non-alcoholic Shiraz is like, shall we?
Plus & Minus is part of the Hill-Smith Family Vineyards, a storied Australian winery that traces its roots back to 1849, when Samuel Smith planted his first vines in the scenic Eden Valley. Over time, Hill-Smith’s operations expanded to regions synonymous with great Australian wine, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Langhorne Creek.
Their foray into the non-alcoholic wine scene, with offerings like this Shiraz, represents an exciting evolution for the winery as it taps into the growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives.
Appearance
In the glass, Plus & Minus non-alcoholic Shiraz does a fine job of mimicking the visual appeal of a traditional Shiraz. The wine pours a deep, rich garnet hue, bordering on ruby, and exudes the kind of colour saturation you’d expect from a robust red wine. The clarity is notable too – it catches the light well, giving it a polished look. However, one minor quibble might be the lack of pronounced legs or tears as the wine moves in the glass. For some drinkers, this is a visual cue of quality and body in wine, but for a non-alcoholic offering, it’s to be expected. Personally, I didn’t find it detracted from the overall experience, especially when the depth of colour is so satisfying.
Aroma
On the nose, this NA Shiraz delivers an impressive bouquet that balances dark fruit aromas with subtle hints of spice and oak. Expect rich notes of ripe blackberries, plums, and cherries to greet you first, with a trace of vanilla sweetness and just a touch of peppery spice in the background. While it may not offer the same complexity you’d find in a high-end alcoholic Shiraz, the aromatic profile is surprisingly generous for a non-alcoholic wine. It’s warm, inviting, and does a good job of mimicking the more nuanced scents you’d find in a typical Shiraz. For what it’s designed to be, this wine gives you plenty to enjoy on the nose.
Taste
Flavour-wise, Plus & Minus non-alcoholic Shiraz puts forward a robust array of dark fruit notes that mirror the richness of traditional Shiraz, with blackberries and plums taking centre stage. There’s also a subtle undercurrent of oak and spice that adds complexity to the profile, which is where many non-alcoholic wines fall short. While the depth of the fruit and spice interplay isn’t as finely tuned as what you might expect from a full-strength Shiraz, it’s still an impressive feat for an alcohol-free version. The spice doesn’t overwhelm, and the fruit remains the star, though some may miss the slight warmth or alcohol bite that typically rounds out those flavours. Nevertheless, for a non-alcoholic alternative, the flavour balance is commendable and captures much of the essence of the varietal.
Mouthfeel
This is where Plus & Minus excels. The mouthfeel of this non-alcoholic Shiraz mimics a traditional red wine quite well. It’s velvety and smooth, with a surprisingly full-bodied presence, which is often a challenge for non-alcoholic wines to replicate. The tannins are well-structured, providing that familiar grip on the palate, though lighter than you’d find in its alcoholic counterparts. There’s a balance between the weight of the wine and the absence of alcohol that feels deliberate. You get enough texture to make it a satisfying sip without it feeling too light or watery, which can be a problem with other NA options.
Finish
The finish of this non-alcoholic Shiraz is pleasantly smooth, with lingering notes of black fruit and spice that fade gradually. While it doesn’t have the same long, warming finish you might get from an alcoholic Shiraz – understandably so – it holds its own, especially for those looking for a gentler option. What’s left on the palate is a subtle dryness and a faint echo of the fruit, creating a clean, enjoyable aftertaste. The absence of alcohol means the finish doesn’t extend as long, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for with a well-rounded, balanced closure.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing Plus & Minus Shiraz with food, it’s versatile enough to hold its own alongside a variety of dishes. Its dark fruit and spice notes make it a natural companion for grilled meats – think juicy steaks, barbecued lamb chops, or even a richly seasoned beef brisket. The smokiness and char from the grill would complement the wine’s subtle oak tones. For vegetarians, it works just as well with a hearty eggplant parmigiana or a mushroom risotto, where the earthy flavours are uplifted by the wine’s berry-driven profile. If you’re a fan of cheese boards, this Shiraz would sit nicely alongside semi-hard cheeses, especially those with a bit of bite, like aged cheddar or manchego.
Overall Impressions of Plus & Minus Shiraz
Plus & Minus Shiraz does an admirable job of delivering the key characteristics you’d expect from a Shiraz while remaining accessible to those looking for a non-alcoholic option. It retains much of the depth and balance that give this varietal its unique appeal, offering a rich, fruit-forward experience with enough spice and oak to keep things interesting. While it doesn’t quite replicate the full-bodied warmth of a traditional Shiraz, it compensates with a smooth, lingering finish and a versatility that makes it ideal for a wide range of food pairings. All in all, it’s a strong entry into the non-alcoholic wine market, and one that can confidently stand alongside its full-strength cousins.