# Giesen Pure Light Sauvignon Blanc (2018)

- **Producer:** Giesen
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Marlborough, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 6.0%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** herbaceous, lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, nectarine, pineapple, gooseberry

## About this wine

The Giesen Pure Light Sauvignon Blanc 2018, from Marlborough, New Zealand, is a pioneering wine crafted by the Giesen brothers. This range was developed with a clear mission: to offer a full-flavored wine experience with significantly less alcohol and fewer calories, a concept born from a company-wide wellness initiative. While the specific 2018 vintage is noted on the label, the Pure Light line is generally produced to a consistent non-vintage style, embodying the producer's commitment to premium low and no-alcohol options. It stands out as a sophisticated example of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, retaining its vibrant aromatic intensity despite its gentle de-alcoholization process.

## Interesting facts

- Giesen Pure Light contains 50% less alcohol and 45% fewer calories than standard Giesen Sauvignon Blanc.
- The range was inspired by a company-wide wellness challenge to reduce alcohol consumption.
- It utilizes advanced spinning cone technology to gently remove alcohol while preserving delicate aromas.
- Wine Orbit's Sam Kim awarded it 93 points, praising its flavor despite its low alcohol content.

## Food pairing

The Giesen Pure Light Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant high acidity, light body, and refreshing citrus and tropical fruit notes make it incredibly versatile for food pairing. Its crispness cuts through richness, making it an excellent counterpoint to creamy or fried dishes, while its aromatic profile beautifully complements fresh salads, seafood, and light pasta dishes. The delicate off-dry sweetness also allows it to harmonize with a touch of spice or a hint of sweetness in a dish, enhancing the overall dining experience without overpowering the palate.

## Wine making process

Giesen Pure Light Sauvignon Blanc begins with classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc fruit, batch-harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure a perfect balance of tropical, citrus, and herbal notes. The grapes are cool-fermented in stainless steel tanks, a technique chosen to preserve the inherent fruit purity and freshness of the varietal. Following fermentation, the wine spends three months on lees, a crucial step that contributes to its texture and complexity. The innovative aspect lies in its de-alcoholization: after blending, the full-strength wine undergoes a gentle alcohol reduction to 6% ABV using advanced spinning cone technology. This process carefully collects the delicate aromatic compounds, which are then reintroduced to the wine, ensuring that the final product retains its characteristic flavor and intensity.