Polka is launching a De-Alc Dry Red in time for Dry July, complete with the characteristics and complexity of a dry red wine, minus the alcohol and low in sugar.
Since 2021, POLKA says it has continued to expand and grow with the popularity of the non-alc movement.
Utilising an array of extraction methods and processes it says have been previously unseen in traditional and non-alcoholic wine making, Polka uses South Australia’s cool climate Shiraz plus natural extracts from Tasmanian pepperberry and vanilla rich French oak.
After two years of trial and error, Polka’s approach has resulted in something founders Ben and Emma Mellows are proud to share with friends, family and beyond.
“Non alcoholic red wine is without question, the most rightfully challenged of all the non-alc categories. For anyone who has drunk non-alc red wine, there’s every chance it wasn’t a pleasant experience. Our goal is always to give people something that satisfies on taste,” said Mellows.
Mellows said that while using quality SA Shiraz grapes, when the alcohol is removed, some of the traditional Shiraz characteristics are too.
The common method to replace the missing flavour is to add sugar. Polka instead used a number of different natural extracts and extraction methods to give a fruity but dry de-alc red wine with notes of vanilla, oak, plum, pepper and cherry, while keeping the total sugar content under one gram.
Mellows says the Polka De-Alc Red offers an experience similar to a Malbec, Merlot or Gamay.
“We felt that people unable or electing not to drink should still be able to enjoy something more sophisticated than water or juice. Red wine compliments food in such a wonderful way, so for us, it was important that we had something that would be able to sit next to a delicious wintery meal,” said Mellows.
In addition to the new De-Alc Red Wine, Polka offers a range of de-alcoholic drinks including Sparkling cuvée with wild harvested native Lilly Pilly, Sparkling Rose made from the native botanical Davidson Plum, Blood Orange Italian Aperitif, and a Pink Grapefruit Botanical Spirit.
Polka Red Wine is available to purchase for RRP $24.95 online or through various bottle shops and premium grocery stores.
