At Lake Chalice, we believe in savouring life’s moments, big and small. Sometimes, that means enjoying a glass of wine without the full effects of alcohol. But how do you capture wine’s complex flavours and aromas while keeping the alcohol content low? 

It Starts in the Vineyard:

We start creating lower-alcohol wines long before the grapes reach the winery. Here’s how we do it:

  • Early Harvesting: We pick our grapes slightly earlier than usual. This means they have less sugar, translating to less alcohol during fermentation.
  • Strategic Vineyard Sites: Marlborough has a cooler climate, which naturally produces grapes with lower sugar levels.

Magic in the Winery:

Once the grapes arrive, the real magic happens. Here are a few techniques we use:

  • Specialised Yeasts: We use particular yeast strains that are less efficient at converting sugar to alcohol. They still do their job but leave behind more of the grape’s natural sweetness and produce less alcohol.
  • Gentle Processing: We handle the grapes with the utmost care to preserve delicate flavours and aromas, which can be more subtle in lower-alcohol wines.

The result?

Delicious wines with all the character and complexity you expect from Lake Chalice but with a lower alcohol content. 

Why Choose Low Alcohol?

  • Healthier Choices: Moderation is key, and low-alcohol wines make it easier to enjoy wine while being mindful of your well-being.
  • Enhanced Food Pairing: Lower alcohol wines often have brighter acidity and fresh fruit flavours, making them incredibly versatile with food.
  • Any Time Enjoyment: Perfect for a weekday lunch, afternoon picnic, or any occasion where you want to savour the flavour without the full impact of alcohol.