Review: Kim Crawford Illuminate Dealcoholized Sauvignon Blanc
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Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc wines have been the de facto poster child for that specific New Zealand varietal for many years. A lot of people who are reconsidering how much wine they’re drinking are probably missing having a glass of that crisp, aromatic wine on a hot summer night.
I was as surprised as anyone to find out they’ve made a dealcoholized version of their famous sauvignon blanc. Many global wine brands have stayed away from alcohol-removal for a variety of factors, but New Zealand has been ahead of the curve in many ways with Giesen as the top seller of n/a wine in the U.S.
Dave Edmonds, chief winemaker at Kim Crawford, says they spent four years perfecting the dealcoholized Illuminate before launching in the U.S.
“We know taste is the biggest barrier in this category. We want consumers to say ‘wow this tastes like Kim and I can’t believe it doesn’t have alcohol’ which I believe we have achieved,” he shared.
Edmonds explained that they use spinning cone technology for the delacoholization. “Our research showed that we could deliver the natural flavours Kim Crawford is known for, more reliably, with the spinning cone technology. Spinning cone allows the alcohol to be removed without overworking the wine, a common problem with more traditional methods,” he explained.
Head over here to read the full interview with Kim Crawford’s Chief Winemaker.
And how does she taste? Let’s uncork this beauty, shall we?
Aroma
She’s giving pure grass and sass! Absolutely gorgeous aromatics and a hint of citrus. Really does smell like a Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc.
Taste
The aromatics in this non-alcoholic white are really nice, with lots of herbal green grass typical of a sauvignon blanc from New Zealand. There’s also a lovely bright acidity with a yuzu profile and a hint of tropical fruit. A tiny bit of lift but I wanted more.
The best thing about this non-alcoholic wine which is really unique and a real testament to the team’s winemaking skills is the length and how it lives on your palate beyond the sip. Good wines leave a sensory note behind which is what encourages a second glass. It’s really rare to experience that in a dealcoholized wine.
Mouthfeel & Experience
Always important, the mouthfeel can make or break a non-alcoholic wine. Illuminate is just perfect - not too heavy and not too thin, but light and tight, as I like to say.
What to pair with Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc
If you’re setting out your patio table for al fresco dining, definitely add a bottle of this in an ice bucket. It’s a perfect accompaniment to salads, grilled meat or fish or just appetizers with friends.
Overall
I felt like this was a little bit too juicy in comparison with the full ABV version of Kim Crawford and I wanted a bit more complexity or nuance. However, it still hit all the right notes for a non-alcoholic sauvignon blanc. It’s crisp and grassy and if you’re looking for a well-priced, non-alcoholic white this is a great choice.
Score: 94 points
Where to buy Kim Crawford non-alcoholic sauvignon blanc
In the U.S., you can find Kim Crawford non-alcoholic wine online at Total Wine or in-store at select locations.
How we score wines at Some Good Clean Fun:
95 to 100 - An excellent drink with a great personality. An example that stands out among its peers
90 to 94 - An accomplished drink with considerable personality, character and complexity. A classic example of its style or variety.
85 to 89 - A perfectly well-made drink which provides an enjoyable drinking experience.
80 to 84 - An acceptable but simple drink, lacking distinction.
