BINGEN, Germany
„You want to do what?”
I asked in a tone clearly a little too sceptical, on hearing Franziskas plans. „Produce alcohol-free wines? But you are not even a winemaker!”
That was true, but just a year after her launch, IAMNOTWINE has become not only the first female-founded start-up in Germany for alcohol-free Premium- and Sparkling Wines, but has already been commended in the 2024 World Alcohol-Free Awards.
Today, Franziska has four delicious cuvées on offer: Blanc Brilliant, Radiant Rosé, Secco Mousscade Blanc, and her popular sparkling Rosé Berry Bubbles. All wines are available in two sizes: 0.75 l bottles as well as the practical half-size. The IAMNOTWINE tasting set with its fresh and modern design, includes all four varieties and serves well as a gift.
MORE THAN A MAYFLY?
There`s a lot going on in the world of Wine right now, even in Germany where one is spoilt for good wine choice. On the continent the market for alcohol-free wine is on an uphill trend and not showing signs of slowing down. Admittedly, economic value is still minimal representing just under 1% of the German Consumer Market total, but as Franziska will happily confirm, demand is increasing. Be it with scrutiny, even the German Wine-making Elite are reacting, despite lengthy procedures, higher production costs and the inevitable criticism from the World of Wine Experts.
„To heed your inner voice is a question of mindfulness. To follow it, a question of courage.”
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
Courage might not be a term Franziska would use to describe herself personally, but she was born under the star sign Leo. Certainly not of the cowardly sort, but one paving her own yellow-brick road and having taken more than just a brief glance behind the curtain.
Franziska´s exploration of the world began at an early age. At just 19 she flew off to work in the Rocky Mountains, Canada. She then travelled the Globe as a Lufthansa flight attendant before embarking on studies in India. On her countless travels and with her final move to Berlin, she became increasingly aware of the value of her own roots, her homeland, and its Wine Culture.
Amongst friends Franziska became a true ambassador for wines from Rhineland-Palatinate and everywhere she went, she had a bottle (or three) in her bags. Socialising became part of her daily schedule as is unavoidable in the Trade-Fair and Event Industry: a toast here, a chin-chin there.
German Wine Culture is celebrated, it has become a social ritual, yet more consumers are avoiding alcohol completely. One year after the launch of IAMNOTWINE, Franziska has already achieved at least one of her goals: regionally produced alcohol-free Premium Wines. Traditionally made and by hand for both business and pleasure.
Her cooperation with the German Wine Institute (DWI), also the regions Ministry of Economic Affairs underline the premium quality of her products. She`s being taken seriously and on every level.
„The response has been overwhelming.” she says. „Although I had obviously done my homework and knew there was a market for alcohol-free wines, I was bowled over with the level of interest and the positive resonance.”
Born and bred in a small village in the Nahe-Winegrowing Region of Germany, Franziska grew up surrounded by vineyards. Her own family was very much involved in viticulture owning vineyards themselves and every year, without exception, the whole family took part in the harvest. Wine was and is part of everyday life, also at business level but very soon Franziska found this social pressure quite strenuous, especially when having to work the next day.
„Wouldn`t it be great if I could have a glass of wine, a good one, but not have to suffer the next day?“
Repeated questioning led Franziska to focus on the topic of alcohol-free wines and it came as no surprise when Franziska decided to head back home. Back to her roots and those of some exceptionally good vines.
The desire for „pleasure sans alcohol” and a more self-controlled lifestyle was to become a reality when in 2021 she became pregnant. With the onset of motherhood, a new chapter began – not only the birth of her daughter, but the dawn of IAMNOTWINE – undeniably different.
TECHNIQUE
The process of dealcoholisation has been in use for over 100 years. In Germany, the first to patent his work in this field was Dr Carl Jung in 1908, and even back then, his especially delicate vacuum procedure also envisaged the recovery of the wine`s bouquet.
The most common technique and the process implemented by IAMNOTWINE is Vacuum Distillation. In creating a vacuum, the resulting pressure achieves the same effect as distillation, but at far lower temperatures. 100 to 120 mbar are all it takes to remove the alcohol at temperatures of just 30 ºC instead of the usual 78 ºC. A recently patented and chemical-free technology then releases the wines natural flavours and characteristics from the distilled alcohol and returns these carefully back to the wine. This complex measure requires an experienced hand but most importantly, high quality base-wines.
FLASHBACK
Close connections to regional winegrowers proved advantageous and it was not long before Franziska found her base-wine provider. Winemaker Moritz Becker, whom she had known for years, soon became hooked on the idea of producing alcohol-free IAMNOTWINEs and work began.
Franziska`s regionally produced wine should be as sustainable and vegan friendly as possible. With Moritz providing the necessary expertise, Franziska actively took part in all stages of production from grape selection, Base-Wine blending through to the fine-tuning finale.
Moritz’ family have been vintners for over 150 years and as her trusty companion and wine advocate, the Franz Josef Zimmermann Family Estate has a passion themselves:
„We create unparalleled wines from unique vineyard sites. Each tells an individual story. One of origin and the soil on which they thrive.”
AROMATIC DIVERSITY
Franziska`s wine selection and the subsequent blends form the ideal basis for IAMNOTWINE. Her wines have depth and character, are low(er) in acidity, intense in flavour and have initial alcohol levels of between 9 and 12 % by volume. Aromatic grape varieties such as Riesling, Muscatel, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc have proven ideal candidates for dealcoholisation, so it comes as no surprise that IAMNOTWINEs are based mainly on Riesling and Muscat.
Similar to the classic balance between Salt & Pepper; Riesling, well-known for its citrus-fruits and minerality, Muscat delivering that touch of spice. Harmony, the result.
DELICIOUS WINE, GREAT DESIGN
In January 2024, Franziska`s launched her first alcohol-free wines onto the German market. Personal- and aesthetic branding reflecting her product`s quality was high on the priority-list, and with the support of German Design Agency Alma, her eye-catching brand design and vision took shape.
The label design for IAMNOTWINE successfully depicts the wines flavours and aromas using geometric imagery rather than long-winded tasting-notes. From floral and fruity to citrus and spice: the message is simple.
And the proof is in the pudding, as just one year on, IAMNOTWINE boasts a flourishing fan-club:
„Great products, beautiful design. Fast delivery and reliable professional customer service. The concept and the female founder are the heart of this company! We highly recommend them!"
Fancy joining the club?
Presently available at the following stores and coming soon to a town near you: https://www.iamnotwine.com/pages/store-finder
Comments