Simply in time for the vacation season, SUNLIGHT, a brand new assortment of lower-alcohol wines, sustainably made by South Australian vineyard Oxford Touchdown, has simply launched within the UK.
Whether or not for well being or well-being causes, many individuals want to reasonable their alcohol consumption. Simply in time for the vacation season, SUNLIGHT, a brand new assortment of lower-alcohol wines by South Australian vineyard Oxford Touchdown, has simply launched within the UK.
Our alcohol consumption was significantly impacted by COVID. Graham and I embraced the primary lockdown with weekly to bi-weekly “Zoom drinks”. After just a few months, it turned apparent that we have been ingesting greater than regular (and feeling worse for it). Now we have tried to reverse the pattern by embracing no-alcohol or low-alcohol alternate options however these have been slightly bit hit-or-miss.
Whereas I’m usually pleased to drink an alcohol-free beer or G&T, discovering an excellent low-alcohol different to wine has been a problem. Alcohol-free wine may as effectively be grape juice and low-alcohol wine is commonly too gentle.
An invite to strive the brand new SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown assortment of lower-alcohol mid-strength wines sparked my curiosity and made me realise that, someplace between no to low-alcohol and common wines, there have been different alternate options I had not considered.
Along with SUNLIGHT Chardonnay 2023 and SUNLIGHT Shiraz 2021, our night of wine-tasting included a choice of Oxford Touchdown Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Oxford Touchdown Chardonnay 2023, Oxford Touchdown Merlot 2021, and Oxford Touchdown Shiraz 2021.
Sustainable Wines
Oxford Touchdown was based in 1958 in South Australia’s Riverland. Set on the banks of the Murray River, the property spans 300 hectares of winery land.
The entire vary of Oxford Touchdown wines has been vegan since 2008 and the corporate can also be happy with its sustainability efforts.
Oxford Touchdown is striving to cut back its carbon footprint and since 2007 has launched into a revegetation mission, buying 600 hectares of farmland subsequent to its winery. For each hectare of vines planted, at the very least one hectare of land is dedicated to the regeneration of native wildlife. To this point, greater than 200,000 bushes and shrubs have been planted.
Oxford Touchdown additionally strives to restrict water irrigation, has a low ratio of wine-to-water use and recycles 100% of its wastewater. 20% of the vineyard’s energy wants are met
by renewable power, generated on-site.
Oxford Touchdown is Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) Licensed and was welcomed as an Applicant Member to the Worldwide Wineries for Local weather Motion (IWCA) working in the direction of full membership and assembly Web Zero targets by 2050.
Decrease-alcohol wines
Whereas a mean glass of wine comprises between 11% and 13% alcohol, SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown Chardonnay 2023 is simply 7% alcohol, whereas SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown Shiraz 2021 is 8% alcohol.
As a reference, the present UK authorities steerage defines alcohol-free drinks as having not more than 0.05% ABV and low-alcohol drinks as having not more than 1.2% ABV.
We had a really satisfying night within the firm of Andy La Nauze, winemaker at Oxford Touchdown. He spent 18 months creating SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown
Chardonnay and Shiraz, and guaranteeing that the decrease alcohol ranges didn’t compromise on high quality or style. He defined that the wine-making course of is comparable for each wines.
SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown Chardonnay has crisp, stone fruit and honey flavours. It’s crafted from Oxford Touchdown Chardonnay and the alcohol is eliminated utilizing the newest membrane expertise to provide a wine that’s 40% decrease in alcohol and energy.
Utilizing the identical course of and expertise, SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown Shiraz is crafted from Oxford Touchdown Shiraz leading to 35% much less alcohol and energy. It has a fruity aroma and comfortable tannins.
General the SUNLIGHT vary does an excellent job of balancing style and physique. Of the 2 wines, my choice goes to SUNLIGHT Chardonnay as I discovered SUNLIGHT Shiraz a bit too gentle and candy for a purple wine.
Regardless of the purpose why you are attempting to cut back your alcohol consumption, lower-alcohol wines like SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown are an excellent compromise.
The place to purchase them from
Oxford Touchdown Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – RRP £7 (obtainable from Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Iceland, and Coop)
Oxford Touchdown Chardonnay 2023 – RRP £7.50 (obtainable from Morrisons, Waitrose, and Amazon)
SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown Chardonnay 2023 – RRP £7 (obtainable from Sainsbury’s)
Oxford Touchdown Merlot 2021 – RRP £7.49 (obtainable from Tesco and Iceland)
Oxford Touchdown Shiraz 2021 – RRP £7.49 (obtainable from Waitrose)
SUNLIGHT by Oxford Touchdown Shiraz 2021 – RRP £7 (obtainable from Sainsbury’s)
