Reg and Mía Holder met at the University of Stellenbosch, in South Africa. She was pursuing a degree in accounting, while he was immersed in the studies of Viticulture and Oenology. It seems that amidst the glow of fine dining and exquisite wines, the seeds of romance were sown for this couple. Quite idyllic, wouldn't you agree? However, life took a turn post-nuptials and with the ensuing pregnancy. Mía, then expecting a child, had to abstain from wine in their shared ritual, finding solace solely in the culinary aspect. The monotony of sodas and sweet beverages spurred the couple to contemplate the creation of a non-alcoholic wine that would not compromise on quality and taste. Thus, the world witnessed two births: on one hand, that of the couple's child; on the other, the inception of Lautus Sauvignon Blanc.
This innovation took place in 2017. Since then, Lautus Sauvignon Blanc has been garnering accolades, marking the beginning of a family of non-alcoholic wines that are captivating palates globally. The sauvignon blanc grape was the initial varietal chosen for this venture. It was a fitting choice, given that this grape is a quintessential taste of South Africa. The chenin blanc, a grape that reigned supreme in the region for centuries, has been eclipsed by this varietal hailing from France, specifically from Bordeaux.
During the entire production process of Lautus Sauvignon Blanc, meticulous attention is paid to the condition of the grapes, with careful handling in all operations to preserve the full spectrum of aromatic nuances. Lautus Sauvignon Blanc is harvested and processed at the winery, gently crushed, and left to settle in a tank overnight. This technique, known as skin maceration, involves the must being in contact with the grape skins to extract the maximum amount of aromas. It is crucial, however, that the tank is kept at low temperatures to prevent oxidation and spontaneous fermentation. For Lautus Sauvignon Blanc, this latter process is conducted using selected yeasts, at a temperature between 12°C and 13°C. Finally, before being de-alcoholized through the technology of spinning cones, Lautus Sauvignon Blanc is left to rest for an additional six weeks.
Undoubtedly, the perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy wine without the alcohol.