Spier Launches Wine Range with Half the Alcohol & Kilojoules
If you’re looking to cut back on your kilojoules and alcohol consumption this summer, you’re in luck! Stellenbosch winery, Spier, has launched a new wine range with less than 50% of the alcohol and kilojoules than an ordinary 13.5% table wine. Specially developed to meet the needs of a growing number of wine lovers who don’t want to sacrifice a glass of good wine while following a healthier lifestyle, the new Spier 5.5% range has arrived just in time for warmer weather.
Launching with a Chenin Blanc and Shiraz, the Spier 5.5% range takes its name after the alcohol percentage of the wine. The wines in the range are lower in kilojoules than a traditional bottle of 13.5% alcohol table wine, with just 36 calories per 100ml. Light and fruity, Spier 5.5%, makes for a great summer sipper by the pool or at a picnic. What’s more, with its lower ABV, it’s also the ideal choice for a business lunch or busy day.
“Our winemaking team is constantly finding ways to innovate responsibly, fulfilling the evolving needs of our customers,” explains Spier’s acclaimed Cellar Master, Frans Smit. “After much careful development, consideration and finessing, we’ve found a way to maintain the premium, layered wines our customers have come to expect from Spier. At only 36 calories per 100ml, we are confident that the Spier 5.5% wines will satisfy wine lovers’ tastebuds with the added benefit of considerably lower alcohol and kilojoules.”
Spier 5.5%’s lower alcohol journey began in the vineyard. Specific sites with light, sandy soil were chosen, and harvest was timed perfectly so that grapes were picked at a lower sugar level and natural acidity. Both these approaches naturally result in lower alcohol wines.
During the fermentation process at Spier’s cellar, a portion of the alcohol was removed at a low temperature in a vacuum by using the latest spinning cone technology. This gentle process reduced the alcohol while preserving the flavours and aromatics of the wine. Following this, fermentation was completed with the remaining natural sugar and nutrients. The result? A truly satisfying taste with lower kilojoules and alcohol.
About the wines
Spier 5.5% Chenin Blanc:
This unwooded Chenin Blanc offers the characteristic flavours and complexity that the varietal is known for. Naturally lighter in style, it is crisp and fruity, with flavours of pear and apple, and hints of litchi. Enjoy chilled on its own or with light summer salad.
kJ/100mL: 149kJ | Cal/100mL: 36kCal.
Spier 5.5% Shiraz:
Full of flavour and complexity, this unwooded and naturally light Shiraz has a juicy layering of subtle spice, red fruit and mulberry. Great on its own or with grilled meat and seasonal vegetables.
kJ/100mL: 153kJ | Cal/100mL: 37kCal.
The Spier 5.5% wines are available from R65 – R75 from the Spier tasting room and online from the Spier website.