Kolonne Null
Phillipp Rössle
Q&A with Philipp Rössle
"Crafted with traditional wine expertise and a keen sense of innovation, Kolonne Null represents excellence in alcohol-free wines. Rooted in the art of winemaking, the Kolonne Null wine lab collaborates with family-owned vineyards throughout Europe. Their common goal is to capture the distinctive characteristics of each region, grape variety, and vintage in their wines, weaving a unique story with beach bottle. Established in Berlin in 2018, Kolonne Null is the category leader in de-alcoholised wines and sparkling wines. Their range includes five still wines, featuring Rosé, Riesling, Verdejo, and two red wine cuvées, as well as two sparkling options."
Discover Kolonne NullWhat inspired you to create Kolonne Null, and how did your journey begin?
"I have always had a passion for indulgence, but as a former artist I was, and I am of course, very attached to all artistic processes. Wine making is an art. It is based on tradition and craftsmanship. That has always fascinated me. Five years ago, when I founded Kolonne Null, the market for non-alcoholic wines was still in its infancy. I thought there should be a wine that, despite being dealcoholised, retains the characteristics of a classic wine and is still a pleasure to drink–without the subsequent remorse. Thus the idea for Kolonne Null was born."
How do you approach crafting flavour in your drinks, and what makes your product unique?
"It is possible to appreciate the traditional craft of winemaking and still be innovative and forward-looking. Modernity does not exclude tradition. We combine both. The production processes are characterised by traditional methods. Creating alcohol-free wine requires a deep understanding of the traditional methods used in winemaking, which have been honed over millennia. Equally important is the need to critically examine and shed light on all aspects of this process, from the cultivation of grapes in the vineyard to the intricate process of alcohol removal."
What are the biggest challenges you face in producing a high-quality low/no alcohol product?
"The selection of the right wine for dealcoholisation is the central element in the production of a high quality non-alcoholic wine/sparkling wine, as the technique of dealcoholisation and the physics behind it are the same for all producers. Additionally not all grapes are the same–that is why we are carefully and personally selecting the grapes and the wineries for our wines. Only traditionally pressed and especially aromatic vintage wines of high quality are part of the selection. The research in our in-house wine laboratory lays the foundation for each new creation. This includes analysis and sensory testing, blending, dealcoholisation, and the collection of empirical data that we need for successful cooperation with our winemakers."
How do you envision the future of low and no? Are there any trends you're excited about?
"Alcoholic wines are very deeply rooted in our marker, but we must not forget that Germany is also the market leader in the field of non-alcoholic wines/sparkling wines. Sober curiosity is a trend that also originates from there. Indulgence and a conscious lifestyle are not mutually exclusive. This message has meanwhile arrived in the USA, England, and Japan."
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your product or the low/no alcohol industry in general?
"When we started Kolonne Null six years ago, non-alcoholic wine has still a new category for customers and there was little knowledge about it. There were many prejudices, such as that it was not real wine but grape juice, that it had no quality, and that it was much too sweet. Over the years, through a lot of educational work, self-confident marketing, and consistently outstanding quality, we have made a name for ourselves both in the industry and among customers. And we've contributed to the fact that non-alcoholic wine became presentable."
What makes your drink special?
"Our winemaking team works closely with award-winning wineries to develop wines with alcohol for later dealcoholisation and full of flavour. We are in the process of developing our own estate to produce our own wines."
“Wine making is an art. Based on traditional and craftsmanship."
Dry Drinker Loves:
Doesn't Compromise on Taste
"At Dry Drinker, we love Kolonne Null because they prove you never have to compromise on taste or quality when choosing non-alcoholic wines. Each bottle is crafted with an unwavering commitment to excellence, delivering flavours that are truly superb and taste like the real deal. You can sense the artistry and expertise of traditional winemaking in every sip, making Kolonne Null a standout choice for wine lovers seeking an exceptional alcohol-free experience."