Not Guilty pleasure

Not Guilty Rosé NV won Overall Judges Wine of Show at the Mid-Low-No Alcohol Wine (MLNA) Awards hosted by Wine Pilot, announced at The Winery in Sydney last night.

With last year’s show being the first of its kind in Australia to focus solely on zero-alcohol wines, 2023 saw the reinvigorated awards expand out to new categories, giving entrants both locally and across the globe the opportunity to shine as talented producers in this rapidly-expanding segment.

The MLNA Awards received more than 140 submissions across the award’s three categories:

• Zero Alcohol (0.00% – 0.49%) – Sparkling, White, Rosé and Red;

• Low Alcohol (0.5% – 6.9%) – Sparkling, White, Rosé and Red; and

• Mid Alcohol (7% – 11%) – Sparkling, White, Rosé and Red.

Wine Pilot founder Angus Hughson says, “The Mid-Low-No Alcohol Wine Awards has been a tremendous success, demonstrating the incredible strides made in this segment.

“The more than doubling in submissions received this year reflects the significant growth that can be seen across the category, with a focus on quality and innovation amongst the top production styles.

“These awards celebrate a pivotal moment in the industry and were created to not only honour and promote high-quality alternatives for those seeking flavourful wines with lighter or no alcohol content, but also to support in driving forward the growth and popularity of this category.

“We are witnessing a significant shift in consumer preferences, and these awards serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the industry to date.

“We hope to help pave the way for further advancements and reinforce the growing demand for mid-low-no alcohol wines both on a local and international stage.”

The MLNA Awards consisted of a two-part judging process, including a formal wine judging which featured a panel of highly credentialed judges including Mike DeGaris, Shanteh Wale, Matt Dunne, David Murphy and Angus Hughson.

The formal judging took place in May with judges noting their key focuses were drinkability and flavour.

The second element of the judging process saw the addition of a ‘consumer choice’ event, with invited guests and ‘noise makers’ in the industry casting their vote on their favorite of the top three wines from each category.

This event took place earlier in June and provided a unique opportunity for attendees to voice their opinion on their top wines.

Fourth Wave Wine brand Tread Softly won several awards including Overall Consumer Choice Wine of Show for Tread Softly Rosé 2022.

“We are very pleased that Tread Softly has been recognised for great quality across the Mid, Rosé and Red wine categories,” says Fourth Wave managing director Ross Marshall.

“We take pride in producing exceptional wines at these lower alcohols that offer a vibrant and flavourful alternative for those seeking a lighter option without compromising on taste.

“These accolades motivate us to continue pushing the boundaries, crafting consistent, quality wines.”

Trophies

Overall Judges Wine of Show
Not Guilty Rosé NV

Best Sparkling
Tempus Two Zero Prosecco NV

Best White
The Doctors’ Riesling 2022

Best Rosé
Not Guilty Rosé NV

Best Red
Tread Softly Sangiovese 2021

Best Mid (7% – 11%)
Tread Softly Sangiovese 2021

Best Low (0.5% – 6.9%)
Tempus Two Lighten Up Pinot Noir 2022

Best Zero (0.00% – 0.49%)
Not Guilty Rosé NV

Overall Consumer Choice Wine of Show
Tread Softly Rosé 2022

Consumer Choice Results