With Dry January almost finished, I tried two lower-alcohol wines from New Zealand’s Kim Crawford Wines. I received their Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc 2023 and Rose 2023. Both wines are bottled at 7% alcohol. How did they get the wines down to 7%? Most wines that are fermented dry are in the range of 11-14%. From the winery, “‘Spinning Cone’ technology is used to reduce the alcohol from a portion of the base wine. This is a process of low vacuum distillation that can target removal of alcohol without impacting the aroma of the wine. The alcohol is reduced to below 1% on approximately 60% of the final volume, with 40% of the base blended back to achieve a final alcohol level of 7%.”
My Wine Tasting Notes
Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (BC $21.99)
Appearance: It has a bright clear, medium-plus intensity lemon colour.
Nose: Medium-intensity aromas of guava, green peppers, green beans, and lime. No change to the aromas after decanting.
Palate: This wine is dryish with a medium body and pronounced acidity and fruit flavours. Intense flavours of lime, green beans and some saltiness on the palate. Lean mouthfeel. Light acidic prickle on your tongue. No change to flavours or mouthfeel after decanting.
Finish: A medium-plus to long length, finishing with mouthwatering acidity and flavours of green beans, peppers, and saltiness. A touch of bitterness on the finish after decanting.
Lots of bright, bracing flavours. Needs to be enjoyed with food. No need to decant.
Rating: 
– 
Kim Crawford Illuminate Rosé 2023 (BC $21.99)
Appearance: A bright, clear, medium-plus intensity copper colour in the glass.
Nose: Light aromas of dried strawberries and flint. Medium-intensity aromas after decanting.
Palate: Dry with medium-plus body and pronounced flavour intensity. Medium-plus to high level of acidity as well leaving a tight acidic prickle. This wine has a smooth yet bracing, thicker mouthfeel. Mashed flavours of red cherries, red fruit and a touch of oak. Strawberry flavour comes out with air. Light tannins. No change to the flavours or mouthfeel after decanting.
Finish: A medium-plus to long finish with tart red fruits and a touch of oak on the palate. You get strawberries as well with time in the glass. No change to the finish after decanting.
No need to decant. Bracing flavours and acidity. Needs to be enjoyed with food.
Rating: –
I also noted that these are the first two bottles of wine I have seen that have Nutrition information on the back label.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
Both wines are available at BC Liquor stores. Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé are available at select Everything Wine stores.
