New Zealand’s State of Light wines are tackling a new emerging trend across Australasia – lighter and low-alcohol products – in a stylish and taste-driven way.

State of Light Head Winemaker, Brett Fullerton, says the brand was created for people who strive for balance yet want to enjoy a glass of delicious wine without worrying about tomorrow.

The innovative wine range – featuring a Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé – “promises a flavour sensation in every glass”, Fullerton says, whilst boasting 35% less calories and 45% less alcohol.

Fullerton says State of Light’s Rosé and Pinot Gris are crafted to showcase Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine region located on the east coast of the North Island.

“Renowned for producing some of the country’s best wines, the benign climate and high sunshine have long established the region as ideal for grape growing,” he says.

State of Light’s Sauvignon Blanc hails from the popular Marlborough region, known for its strong contrast between hot sunny days and cool nights, the region delivers wines with intense flavour and aroma.

Fullerton says that although we are seeing the ‘betterment’ trend driving Australian consumers towards low-alcohol and low-calorie wines, flavour or quality doesn’t need to be sacrificed.

“A common perception is that all lower alcohol wines are poor quality and have less flavour, which is simply not true,” he says.

“The State of Light winemaking team take pride in producing lighter, full-flavoured premium wines that celebrate the renowned New Zealand Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay regions.

“To achieve the reduced alcohol content in State of Light wines, a vacuum steam distillation winemaking process called the ‘spinning cone method’ is used, which carefully separates and preserves each varietal’s distinct regional characteristics whilst de-alcoholisation takes place,” Fullerton says.

Our favourite of the three is State of Light’s Rosé, which Fullerton says “blooms with mouth-watering berry fruits and watermelon aromatics with an elegant dry finish”.

State of Light is available now at Dan Murphy’s, BWS and First Choice Liquor Market across Australia from AU$23.