Non-alcoholic drinks company NON has unveiled the latest addition to its range of wine alternatives, NON9 Oaked Blackberry & Plum.
Demand for non-alcoholic beverages is growing at a considerable rate in Australia, with 44 per cent of alcohol consumers expressing a desire to reduce their intake or abstain from drinking alcohol altogether. Tapping into this demand, NON uses culinary techniques to deconstruct produce and create beverages designed to pair with food.
Crafted at the company’s headquarters in Melbourne, NON9 Oaked Blackberry & Plum was designed as an alcohol-free alternative to red wine, incorporating blackberry, Stanley plum, tamari, French oak, fir pine and Victorian Shiraz grapes.
NON Founder Aaron Trotman, says: “Everyone’s been searching for a non-alc red that holds up to food – something with grip, complexity and actual flavour. This isn’t wine without alcohol. It’s a new experience, built from the ground up.”
Nic Cozens, NON’s Head of Beverage, says the new release offers the same full flavour, structure and food-pairing potential as a red wine.
“NON is a wine alternative that is built like a fine dining dish. We’ve applied culinary techniques to create something that serves the wine occasion,” he stated.
NON9 Oaked Blackberry & Plum is a full-boded, layered non-alcoholic red wine alternative offering aromas of dark fruits, savoury umami depth, firm tannins and a long, dry finish. Best served chilled, the new release pairs well with steak, ragù or flame-grilled vegetables, and will be available from Monday 16 June.
Earlier this year, NON was awarded a gold medal at the World Alcohol Free Awards for its standout release NON1 Salted Raspberry & Chamomile. NON’s approach speaks to a broader cultural shift, and Trotman says the win is a sign that the world is catching up.
“NON belongs on the table not because it’s a substitute, but because it earns its place. We’re leading this shift, and we’re doing it from right here in Australia,” he stated.