So, How Is McGuigan Zero Made?

For more than two decades, McGuigan Wines has been perfecting our technique for crafting full flavour wines that are free from alcohol. With wine lovers increasingly choosing to take a short break from alcohol, McGuigan Zero has grown to become the number one selling alcohol-free wineᴖ in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.*

 

 

 

At McGuigan Wines, we own and operate Australia’s most modern spinning cone column (SCC) technology. We’ve been removing alcohol from wine for over twenty years but it’s only recently that we feel we have mastered the process. This was only possible after a long R&D period, developing a signature method to craft the very best alcohol-free wine possible today. This is how we do it.

First, we start with a uniquely rich full-alcohol wine sourced from premium vineyards in South Eastern Australia and crafted at our Buronga Hill winery, a state-of-the-art facility 100% powered by wind and solar. The importance of this base wine cannot be understated as it is a wine abundant with varietal flavours and aromas, made by our experienced and award-winning winemakers specifically for McGuigan Zero. More time and energy is spent on this stage of our signature method than any other to ensure, after the alcohol is removed, McGuigan Zero retains as much of the original wine’s varietal flavours and aromas as possible. Once our winemakers are happy with the base wine, it’s on to the SCC.

 

The SCC is a unique vacuum distillation process that removes the alcohol from the expertly crafted base wine. On the outside it’s a vertical, stainless-steel cylinder (the column). On the inside, there is a central rotating shaft and a series of alternate spinning and stationary cones. The spinning cones attach to the shaft and the stationary cones fix to the wall of the column.

 

The two key features of the SCC which allow gentle extraction of alcohol from our full strength base wine is the centrifugal force generated by the unique spinning cones and the vacuum the column is under. The vacuum ensures we can undertake the extraction process at low temperature. The centrifugal force and unique spinning cone process ensures the steam and wine interface in the column occurs when there is a thin layer of wine present and therefore, less energy is required on the wine to remove the alcohol. These features are key to gentle extraction of alcohol and the retention of delicate varietal flavours and aromas in our McGuigan Zero wines.

BH Winemaing Team

Director of Winemaking Thomas Jung (2nd from left) with senior winemakers Sharon Jack & Tony Hooper, premium winemaker Roxanne Kloppers and Chief Winemaker Jamie Saint (centre)

 

By removing alcohol from wine, the sensory makeup of the wine changes because alcohol is such an important contributor to the character of a wine. Our winemakers' experience and this signature method we have developed helps counteract the absence of alcohol so that by the time of blending, after the alcohol removal process is complete, we have McGuigan Zero wines that are free from alcohol and full of flavour.

Click HERE to join Chief Winemaker Jamie Saint for a virtual tasting of the McGuigan Zero range’

 

*Source: Nielsen (UK), L12wks 27.03.2021; IRI-Aztec (AU), L52wks 25.04.2021

Less than 0.05% residual alcohol

 

 

TASTING NOTES

Free from alcohol, full in flavour, the McGuigan Zero range is a contemporary alcohol-free range that allows you to enjoy wine without the alcohol. The flavour profile and characteristics of each variety are as you would expect, proving that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a full-flavoured experience in the glass. Perfect for any occasion where you want to enjoy wine without the alcohol

 

SAUVIGNON BLANC

Elegant and refreshing, featuring crisp pear and green apple, lively bubbles and an attractive crisp finish. Perfect when celebrating any occasion or enjoy as an aperitif.

Food Pairing: Pairs well with Chinese food, summer salads, or roast chicken.

Watch Now: McGuigan Zero Sauvignon Blanc Tasting Note Video

 

SHIRAZ

Subtle spice and vanilla notes complemented by plum and forest berry aromas. This Shiraz has a good length of flavour with sweet blackcurrants and a balanced finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs well with pizza, tomato-based Italian dishes or antipasto.

Watch Now: McGuigan Zero Shiraz Tasting Note Video

 

CHARDONNAY

Attractive aromas of white peach combine with subtle influences of vanilla and oak. The palate is driven by stone fruit and honey melon flavours with toasty oak ensuring a well-rounded, generous finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs well with creamy pasta, roast chicken and vegetables, or mushroom risotto.

Watch Now: McGuigan Zero Chardonnay Tasting Note Video

ROSÉ

Bright, lifted aromas of delicate red fruits complemented with hints of rose petals. The palate is generous, with flavours of strawberries and pink grapefruit, leading to a crisp and refreshing finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs well with a cheese platter, goats cheese salad or fresh seafood.

Watch Now: McGuigan Zero Rosé Tasting Note Video

 

SPARKLING

Elegant and refreshing, featuring crisp pear and green apple, lively bubbles and an attractive crisp finish. Perfect when celebrating any occasion or enjoy as an aperitif.

Food Pairing: Great as an aperitif or with sushi, roast vegetables or shellfish.

Watch Now: McGuigan Zero Sparkling Tasting Note Video