Helau, Alaaf and Ahoy! As Berliners, we don't have much to do with Fastnacht, but the mood here is great too. Because a lot has happened in the last few weeks. We summarize the most important points for you here.
Assortment: The new white is here
Of course we start with the most important thing: with our products. And since the gentle white is still very high in the popularity ranking. So much so that it was sold out for a short time. But we made sure to refill it as quickly as possible and bottled the second edition together with our partner winemaker Wasem. Of course, it is in no way inferior to its gentle predecessor, but it is a bit fruitier - just as our customers would like it. Because this adjustment is (among other things) the result of a survey that we recently conducted. As a young company, feedback from our customers is extremely important to us. And if you want to know how the whole thing tastes, you can order it right here .
In addition to our own products, we have now also listed the first third-party brands. In other words, products from other producers who are also located in the light alcohol realm. We are very happy about that, because after all we want to become the largest supplier of low products. We have already put together a first trial pack with the new products for you. Try it out! Other products are already on their way to us and will be added to our range in the coming weeks.
Production: reverse osmosis - or how does the gentle get even better?
We always want to get better. And with every new filling. That's why we're testing everything we can: grape varieties, production techniques, bottle shapes, label colors etc. A production test is scheduled for the end of February, which we're very excited about. While our products have so far kept their smart 6% vol. Alcohol is obtained by cuvéeing dealcoholized alcohol with traditional wine, so-called reverse osmosis starts elsewhere and ensures a gentler process, which should have a positive effect on the aroma of the later product. If you don't want to delve into the technical details now, you can jump to the next paragraph. Everyone else: Follow the nerds!
The principle of reverse osmosis is based on a permeable membrane. This is permeable for the alcohol and the water in the wine (permeate), but holds back all other components. Above all, those who are responsible for the aroma in the wine (retentate). The alcohol is removed from the permeate by distillation up to the desired level. The retentate, which also contains the aroma carriers, does not go through this process! The permeate and retentate are then brought together again. In theory, this process should ensure that the aroma is retained even more. We are incredibly excited about this test and will of course be there to be able to taste and compare directly. We keep you posting.
Marketing: of words, images and numbers
Spread the word is the motto that drives us in marketing right now. And for that we use every channel available to us. And the response is there! The first press releases about us have appeared, both in the trade press and in the general press. So if you want to know what the Berliner Zeitung thinks about us, take a look here .
Like every new shop, we are of course faced with the challenge of acquiring new customers. Because let's be honest, they don't just come to you these days. As a test, we are therefore working with a larger selection of influencers in order to also address the younger target group via social media. Here we are testing different content formats for three months and are already looking forward to the result. Speaking of influencers: Do you have friends who like to enjoy gentle? Then recommend us and get a free bottle of the gentle as a thank you .
A special highlight in February was a workshop to which our Swiss sales partner Bataillard invited us for two days in Zurich. Together with other brands from the no/low segment, we put our heads together and developed a common marketing and sales vision. Because neither Bataillard nor we are concerned with just somehow pushing individual products onto the market. Rather, we see ourselves as part of a joint movement whose goal is to establish the no/low category as an independent segment in the market. An intensive excursion in every respect, from which we will draw for a long time.
Outlook: Düsseldorf is calling
At the end of March, Germany's largest wine fair ProWein takes place in Düsseldorf. And of course we will also be there with our products. Of course, there is still a lot to prepare before then. Business cards have to be printed, flyers designed, appointments made and sample bottles packed. And then there is the problem with the accommodation. Because when more than 50,000 visitors come to Düsseldorf, it's not that easy to find an affordable bed. In any case, we are very happy to meet many of our friends and partners from the wine world there and to convince many new ones about us and our products
So, that's it for now from our side. Now it's your turn! Do you have questions, criticism, suggestions or just want to say hello? Then write to us via Instagram (@the_gentle_wine) or to info@thegentlewine.com . We also sponsor events with our products. So if you're interested: don't be shy!
Every Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. you can also visit us in our office in Berlin to taste wines with us and just chat: Der Frevel, Sanderstraße 22, 12047 Berlin.
