If global wine consumption statistics are anything to go by, wine drinkers are taking a lighter approach than they did oh, say, 15 or 20 years ago. Robust international wine research, including from the IWSR shows a significant and steady decline in the amount of wine consumed globally but not only that, lower alcohol wines are also more popular with wine drinkers and producers alike. It's not all doom and gloom, in this writer's view, because a diversity of wine has always been a good thing and will continue to be. It allows a wider range of people to enjoy alcohol in different ways. Wines such as Tread Softly are a good example. 

The new-ish Tread Softly brand first launched six years ago now and has two new wine releases out this month in New Zealand. 

These new wines are made by the highly experienced winemaker, Corey Ryan, who is now based in Australia but has worked in New Zealand for a long stint, most famously at Villa Maria, but that's another story. Here are my reviews of two new lighter alcohol wines. 

17/20
2024 Tread Softly Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc RRP $20.99  

Tread Softly is a wine brand focussed on lower alcohol content and no alcohol options.

This Sauvignon Blanc was made from grapes picked in the cool of morning, destemmed and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel to retain fresh bright fruit flavours in a lighter style of wine with 9% alcohol. A slightly earlier harvest date helps accentuate the lighter style and a medium body with bold tropical fruit flavours held in check with medium acidity and a zingy finish. Good quality and drinks well now and over the next two to three years.

16.5/20
2024 Tread Softly East Coast Pinot Gris RRP $20.99

Tread Softly Pinot Gris is made with grapes from vineyards on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand and has a light body with notes of freshly picked white pears and apples with a twist of lemon on the finish. This is a lighter style with a soft texture and smooth, light finish, making it a good day time wine.