Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has unveiled a new $15m in-house facility dedicated to ‘low and now’ alcohol production in the Barossa Valley.
The new facility, which has been more than two years in the making, is an extension of the $165m premium winemaking site TWE opened in 2022 and the company says it re-affirms its commitment to innovation.
As well as state-of-the-art dealcoholisation technology the new facility features world-first patent pending processes for treating the aromatic component of wine that locks in flavour.
The facility features custom-designed equipment and proprietary technology that gently removes alcohol from wine while preserving its essential flavours and aromas. TWE said this system addresses the limitations of traditional dealcoholisation methods, which often alter the wine’s chemistry and negatively affect its richness, body, and mouthfeel.
Chief Supply and Sustainability Officer Kerrin Petty said: “This world-leading facility cements our position as a global pioneer in winemaking. This state-of-the-art technology and proprietary process for de-alcoholisation is our latest step in building a hub of innovation, technology and sustainability in the Barossa Valley, where we’ve been crafting wine to delight consumers for more than a century.”
The facility is producing the next generation of low and no alcohol wines for iconic brands in TWE’s global portfolio including Squealing Pig and Pepperjack, which will complement other low and no alcohol offerings in the Matua, 19 Crimes, Lindeman’s, and Wolf Blass brands.
TWE Group Winemaker Toby Barlow said the new technology, and bringing the overall process in-house will improve the quality of no and low alcohol wines, by better reflecting the character of the grape varietals.
“The complex interaction of aromas and flavours that reflect people and place is part of the joy of wine,” he said.
“Blending our winemaking credentials with customised technology helps us create great-tasting wine that has less alcohol, or none at all. We’re creating products and consumer experiences that we know wine lovers all over the world are looking for.”
Sarah Parkes, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for TWE’s global premium division, added: “Flavour has historically been a barrier for wine drinkers exploring a no or low alcohol alternative – this technology has helped us solve the flavour puzzle, and it’s had outstanding feedback from consumers so far.
“With award-winning low and no alcohol wines already under our belt, we’re looking forward to sharing this next generation of great-tasting wines with consumers from next month.”