Partner Content: ZERONIMO
Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, one constant remains: time. Time is both obvious and invaluable—a paradox of urgency and patience. We crave speed, hoping to complete tasks yesterday, yet we understand that great things often require time.
The art of winemaking is no exception. Time and the maturation process bring out unique aromas, balance, and beauty in wine, creating something that shines like no other. For many wine lovers and collectors, aged wines represent the pinnacle of the craft.
A World-First in Wine
This appreciation for time is central to Zeronimo, the premium non-alcoholic wine brand founded by winemakers Katja and Patrick of the family-owned Heribert Bayer winery. The Bayer family has spent over two decades crafting exceptional wines, holding back significant portions of their annual production for extended bottle aging. Their investment in a dedicated maturation facility, built in 2004, laid the foundation for what has now become a groundbreaking achievement: the world’s first 20-year-old dealcoholized wine, Zeronimo Century Blend.
Creating an extended aged non-alcoholic wine felt like a natural next step for Zeronimo. The founders had noticed that, while dealcoholizing red wine reduces primary fruit aromas, secondary and tertiary aromas (those developed during aging) remain beautifully intact. This observation inspired the bold idea of producing a non-alcoholic aged wine. When a partner challenged them with the question, “What would a non-alcoholic aged wine taste like?” they couldn’t resist turning the concept into reality. Despite the significant risks and challenges, they decided to test the process. The result was astonishing. “For me, this rarity is truly exceptional and a revolution in non-alcoholic wine,” Patrick shared in a recent interview. “When I first tasted it, it moved me deeply, and I forgot everything around me. This is the best non-alcoholic wine we’ve ever crafted.”
About Zeronimo Century Blend
Century Blend is a blend of Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, sourced from 60-year-old vines in the renowned Neckenmarkter Hochberg, in Austria’s Mittelburgenland region. Aged for two years in new French oak—and an additional 18 years in the bottle—this wine is limited to just 2,500 bottles. It debuted in Europe a few days ago, with reservations now open for the US and Canada.
This wine is the first of its kind. It exemplifies the perfect fusion of tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship. With Century Blend, Zeronimo has once again pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, setting a new milestone in non-alcoholic wine history. If creating a dealcoholized version of the 98-point-rated Leonis Blend was bold, Century Blend is nothing short of historic.
The Experts React
Among the lucky few to have experienced the first sips of Century Blend is brand ambassador and Ocean Beach Café owner Joshua James. “I’ve never encountered such extraordinary, magical, complex aromas in a glass that were hard to put words to—it left me speechless,” Joshua recalled of his first taste.
Indeed, this non-alcoholic red wine offers a stunning array of aromas: ethereal, sweet, harmonious, and complex. Aged wine enthusiasts will find immense joy in this alcohol-free marvel. On the palate, flavors of cassis, eucalyptus, forest floor, caramelized mushrooms, and nougat come together in a composition that feels almost otherworldly. Two decades of history in a glass offer a truly monumental and unique drinking experience, reminding us that the most precious ingredient in winemaking is time.
Following its release just days ago, more than half of the Century Blend bottles have already been sold. Due to overwhelming demand in Europe, online reservations for the US and Canada are strongly recommended. US and Canadian pre-orders are expected to ship by mid-to-late January.
