"Cutting back on the booze can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money. Any reduction in the amount you drink every week will be beneficial – and with the right help, it's easier than you think".
So states the NHS Better Health website under the guidance heading 'Drink Less' before going on to promote its 'Drink Free Days' app and launching into tips for cutting down on alcohol consumption. Many people nowadays commit to periods of abstinence, for example 'Dry January', and the more determined give up alcohol completely. Others turn to alcohol-free alternatives. However, I suggest that completely forgoing booze unless it is an immediate medical necessity is a rather drastic step and we should think more about ways to moderate consumption while still enjoying alcoholic drinks.
This was highlighted to me early this week when faced with samples of around 50 different bottles of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at a tasting of NZ 2022 New Release wines. Bottles from multiple producers showed the ripe, grassy, citrus character with bold acidity that makes this style so popular and, although there was some sub-regional variations, they were all typically around the 12.5-13.0% abv mark. Well, that was until I came across this one - The Doctors' Sauvignon Blanc which comes in at just 9.5% abv.
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| The Doctors' Sauvignon Blanc |
It is slightly less in-your-face than some NZ Sauvignon Blancs but loses nothing of the zesty, tropical flavours so characteristic of the Marlborough style. It is made by Forrest Wines which was founded by Doctors John and Brigid Forrest in 1988 who abandoned their careers in molecular biology and medicine respectively to follow their passion for wine - hence the label. (Note the placing of the apostrophe to reflect that it's a Sauvignon Blanc belonging to more than one doctor!!). The two doctors set their scientific minds to solving the problem of creating fun, enjoyable wines without the resulting hangover. Or, as they put it far more persuasively: "… the perfect modern drink for staying sharp while socialising with friends". In the context of the intense, flavoursome Marlborough sauvignons this would appear quite a challenge but their breakthrough was the development of a sustainable process that slows the grapes' ability to make sugar but not the ability to develop flavour. The result is a range of lower alcohol wines that don't compromise on flavour; a range that includes this Sauvignon Blanc, a Riesling, a red Pinot Noir, and a rosé.
The Doctors' Sauvignon Blanc is available until 29 November at the reduced price of £7.99 (instead of £9.99) at Waitrose. At Tesco you can buy it for £8.00 with a Clubcard until 4 December (instead of £10.00).
Finally, there is another lower alcohol NZ Sauvignon Blanc available in UK supermarkets at the moment, Brancott Estate Flight Sauvignon Blanc. The abv here is even lower at 9.0%. When I tried it I didn't think it had as much on the nose but the full flavour and assertive acidity on the palate is all there. Asda is selling it for £8.50 and Sainsburys for £9.00, but don't confuse it with Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc (i.e. without the all-important 'Flight') as this is the full 13.0%.
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| Brancott Estate Flight Sauvignon Blanc |
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