Pure Vision is an organic winery. I like that. Lately, I’ve been reading up on the various chemicals that sneak into our food, and honestly, it’s not a pleasant thought. So, any effort to turn things toward the organic route, reduce those additives, and keep things more natural is a win in my book. That said, I also think it’s important to make sure this shift doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality of what we’re drinking. Pure Vision operates out of the Adelaide Plains region in South Australia, and they’ve got an impressive range of both traditional and non-alcoholic wines, including the Pure Vision Zero Shiraz. Oh, and their wines are vegan too, which is another big plus.
Now, let’s see how their Shiraz holds up.
Appearance
When poured into the glass, Pure Vision Zero Shiraz presents itself with a deep, rich hue that’s remarkably close to what you’d expect from a full-bodied Shiraz. It has that classic garnet and ruby colouring, with a dark saturation that hints at the wine’s depth. The viscosity seems medium-bodied, which suggests that, despite being non-alcoholic, the wine should have some structure and mouthfeel to it. There’s no watery thinness here, which can sometimes be a worry with NA wines. Overall, it looks promising, giving off the right visual cues for a solid Shiraz.
Aroma
On the nose, Pure Vision Zero Shiraz delivers a fruit-forward aroma that primarily showcases ripe berries – blackberries and dark cherries being the most prominent. There’s also a layer of plum, which adds a touch of sweetness to the bouquet. What’s really nice is the subtle earthiness in the background, likely enhanced by some oak ageing, which gives the wine a bit more character. There’s a hint of spice too, as you’d expect from a Shiraz, though it’s gentler than what you might find in its alcoholic counterparts. You don’t get that bold, peppery punch that defines some of the more robust Shirazes, but the spice is there, lingering quietly behind the fruit.
Taste
When it comes to taste, Pure Vision Zero Shiraz stays true to the expectations set by its aroma. Dark berry fruits dominate the palate, with blackberries and plums leading the charge. There’s a pleasing balance here between the natural fruit sweetness and a slight acidity that gives the wine a well-rounded flavour profile. The acidity keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying, ensuring each sip feels lively rather than heavy. Of course, the absence of alcohol is noticeable in terms of the overall weight and body of the wine, but for a non-alcoholic option, it manages to retain a decent amount of complexity. It’s lighter than a traditional Shiraz, but it’s still satisfying in terms of flavour.
Mouthfeel
This Shiraz also delivers a smooth, almost silky mouthfeel that’s quite enjoyable. The tannins are present, but they’re soft and not overly assertive, which makes the wine easy to drink. There’s no harshness or astringency, just a gentle structure that holds the wine together as it moves across your palate. It’s not as full-bodied as an alcoholic Shiraz, but the texture is still pleasant, offering just enough weight to make each sip feel substantial without being heavy.
Finish
The finish of Pure Vision Zero Shiraz is clean and refreshing, though it doesn’t linger as long as a traditional Shiraz might. That’s to be expected given the absence of alcohol, which usually helps extend the finish. The fruit flavours – especially the blackberries and a touch of plum – are what stick around after each sip, leaving a pleasant, fruity aftertaste. Right at the end, there’s a faint hint of black pepper, which adds a nice little kick, even if it’s subtle. For a non-alcoholic wine, it holds up well, offering enough complexity to keep things interesting without overstaying its welcome on the palate.
Pairing Suggestions
In terms of food pairings, Pure Vision Zero Shiraz is versatile and would work well with a variety of dishes. Its acidity and touch of spice make it a great match for grilled meats. Lamb and beef would both pair nicely, as the wine’s fruitiness will balance out the richness of the meat. For vegetarians, earthy dishes like mushroom risotto or eggplant parmigiana would also be excellent choices. The wine’s berry notes and light spice will complement the savoury, umami flavours of those dishes, creating a well-rounded dining experience. It’s an easy wine to pair with food, given its balanced profile and approachable flavours.
Overall Impressions of Pure Vision Zero Shiraz
Overall, Pure Vision Zero Shiraz is a solid entry into the non-alcoholic wine market. It manages to capture much of what you’d want from a Shiraz – fruit-forward flavours, a touch of spice, and a smooth, drinkable texture. While it doesn’t have the full body or complexity of a traditional Shiraz, it compensates with a clean, refreshing finish and enough depth to hold its own. The fact that it’s organic and vegan is just icing on the cake, making it a great option for those looking for a cleaner, more natural alternative to conventional wines. It’s eminently drinkable and would fit well at the table for a casual meal or even just as a standalone glass for a relaxed evening.