Giesen 0% Dealcoholized Pinot Grigio

Giesen's 0% Pinot Grigio comes from Marlborough, New Zealand, and is made by taking the alcohol out of finished Pinot Grigio wine. The bottle is labelled 0.0% ABV. Giesen describes the wine as crisp and fresh, with pear and citrus notes. That fits the grape's usual profile: a light-bodied white with pear and citrus at the centre and no oak influence. Dealcoholized wines often have a slightly softer, rounder texture than their full-strength counterparts because alcohol contributes weight and warmth. Expect the acidity to carry the structure here. There is no tannin in a white of this style, and the finish is likely to be short and clean rather than lingering. Serve it well chilled, around 6 to 8°C, which is fridge temperature with perhaps ten minutes out on the counter. Cold serving suits a wine whose appeal is freshness, and it keeps any residual sweetness from becoming noticeable as the glass warms. Decanting isn't needed. Pouring it straight from the bottle is the right approach, and a few minutes of air will do little for a light white of this kind. A standard white wine glass with a moderately narrow bowl keeps the pear and citrus aromas concentrated. A tulip shape works well, and a tall flute is too restrictive for the fruit. For food, lean on dishes that match a light, citrus-edged white. Grilled or pan-seared white fish with lemon, shellfish such as prawns or scallops, and salads with a vinaigrette dressing are natural partners. Soft fresh cheeses like ricotta or goat's curd, and mild chicken dishes with herbs, also sit comfortably alongside it. Because the wine is delicate, avoid heavily spiced or rich cream-based dishes, which will overpower it. It also works as an aperitif on its own, served in place of a sparkling or still white at the start of a meal. This is a bottle to drink now. Non-alcoholic wines don't have the alcohol or tannin that support long cellar ageing, and fresh fruit character is the whole point, so drink it young. Once opened, reseal it and keep it in the fridge. Aim to finish it within a day or two, since the aromatics fade quickly without alcohol to preserve them.