Doctor prescribes benefits of new low alcohol wine

News release

October 5, 2006

Doctor prescribes benefits of new low alcohol wine

Growing market demand for lower alcohol wine has been the catalyst for a new Riesling produced by Forrest Estate Winery in Marlborough.

The Forrest Estate 'The Doctors' Riesling has an alcohol content of just 8.5 per cent, around 60 per cent that of a normally-fermented Riesling.

Winemaker Dr John Forrest says there is growing awareness of the health benefits of regular moderate wine consumption.

"You could say it's our prescription for the good of your mind, body and soul," Dr Forrest says.

Dr Forrest and his wife and business partner Dr Brigid Forrest are lovers of Germanic lower alcohol Rieslings. Brigid is still an active medical doctor and understands the need to be socially responsible with alcohol intake.

"We actively promote moderate consumption and combined these thoughts with the need to differentiate the Riesling style from the 101 others on the market."

The wine has been three vintages in the making - two vintages of experimentation followed by the first commercial vintage in 2006.

One of New Zealand's leading wine commentators, Vic Williams, welcomes this new wine addition to the Forrest Estate range.

"Pretty! That's the word that best sums up this delightful wine. Think summer days and glistening sands to put you in the mood, then sit back and enjoy the floral aromas and sweet-edged, fresh-faced flavours. It's nicely balanced, immediately appealing and great fun. There should be a bottle in every family's picnic basket."

The grapes are from four premium Riesling-producing vineyards on the stony soils of Marlborough's Wairau Valley.

"These stony soils ensure modest crops, ripe fruit and give the wines distinctive citrus and mineral characteristics.

"The grapes undergo a long, slow, very cool fermentation to retain the Riesling's citrus flavours. Then we stop the fermentation early to ensure the alcohol content of around 8.5 per cent," Dr Forrest says.

The Doctors' Riesling is perfect for a lunchtime aperitif and suits New Zealand fusion cuisine and spicy or sweet Asian food he says.

And the doctor's prescription to go with his Riesling? Thai prawns cooked with lime juice, sweet chilli sauce and spring onions served on a bed of lettuce.

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About Forrest Estate Wines

Forrest Estate Winery is owned and operated by Dr's John and Brigid Forrest. The winery is located in Renwick, at the heart of Marlborough. Their wide range of Marlborough wines includes Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rosé. Forrest Estate also has partnerships in vineyards located in Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay, Bannockburn Central Otago, and Waitaki Valley North Otago's.

ENDS

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