We try the wine helping to save the ocean - one bottle at a time

Climate change, sustainability, caring about our planet and our oceans - these are topics on everyone’s lips in 2023.

So imagine if something as simple and pleasurable as drinking a glass of wine could help the environment, wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Well, the good news is that it can. Thanks to the team behind The Hidden Sea.

The South Australian wine producer proudly states they remove and recycle 10 plastic bottles from oceans and rivers, for every bottle of wine they sell.

They do this, they say: “Because we want to leave the world better than it was when we came in, and our wines carry a heritage born from the sea.”

A QR code at the side of the bottle can be scanned to see up-to-the-month status on ocean waste plastic removal, including where the plastic was collected, who does the collection and what happens to the plastic once it’s collected. So far, they have removed 23 million pieces of plastic.

I learn that 26 million years ago, South Australia’s incredible Limestone Coast, where the company’s vineyard is situated, was submerged by a vast ocean that was home to a thriving marine ecosystem.

A series of dramatic ice ages caused the ocean to recede, leaving the area rich with deep limestone deposits containing majestic marine fossils.

One of these relics is the fossilised remains of an ancient whale, animated on the front of the bottles, which is said to contribute to the rich, fertile soil in the vineyard. It also provides a natural and unique filtration system - perfect for growing the grapes that produce the award-winning wine.

The work is done through ReSea Project, which is only the second company in the world to be accredited to DNV’s Chain of Custody standard for plastics retrieved from the hydrosphere (the world’s s highest certification for ocean waste plastic removal)

The crew behind the Hidden Sea claim: “We want to remove and recycle 1 billion single-use plastic bottles from the ocean. And, we want to do it by 2030.

“It’s an ambitious goal, but the sea doesn’t need half-measures.It needs attention. It needs cooperation. It needs action.”

So, in the name of the planet I set out my very own ambitious goal to try all three colours of their wine - red, rose and white and here’s what I thought:

Red blend

The Hidden Sea Red Blend 2020 (abv 14.5%), £8.50, selected Co-op stores

Described as: A heady and well-crafted combination of Shiraz. Cabernet Sauvignon, and a tiny splash of Malbec. It is bright crimson red with delicious aromas of red berries, fruit cake spice and toasty oak. These characters carry onto the palate, which is smooth, rich and long.

As a red wine lover, I couldn’t wait to try this blend of three in one, especially as it contains Malbec, for which I have a weakness. Dark red and luscious in colour, the wine had fragrant aromas of cherry, plum and spice with a lovely note of vanilla on the palette. Hugely drinkable and tasty and knowing I was doing something for the planet was an added bonus.

Rosé

The Hidden Sea Rosé 2021 (12.5% abv), RRP £8.00 - Asda

Described as: With a nose of strawberries and cream and a background of freshly cut roses, this deliciously drinkable pale pink rosé has a light, fresh palate with vibrant sweet fruit. It looks incredible and is a great wine to share with friends.

On a hot, sunny day (remember those?) this would be perfectly refreshing. Very pale, pastel pink in colour this wine was incredibly light and fresh with a dreamy undertone of strawberries. The description of strawberries and cream and roses made me want to instantly transport myself to a spring afternoon or a garden party or perhaps be watching the tennis at Wimbledon - divine.

Chardonnay

The Hidden Sea Chardonnay 2021 (13.5% abv), RRP £8.50, selected Co-op / £9.00 selected Booths stores / £9.50 on GETIR

Described as: With lots of ripe stone fruit character, peach, apricot, a touch of honeydew melon and notes of vanilla and a fresh lemon citrus finish, this delicious Chardonnay is gluggable and gorgeous.

I’m not a white wine drinker and never have been so I had to try and be as objective as possible with this wine - described to me by an actual white wine lover as the ‘best white wine ever’ and a bottle she ‘adores.’

It was fresh and fruity and not too harsh, perfectly refreshing and easy on the taste buds - so, that makes it a white wine winner in my book.

I had a whale of a time trying these wines and love the concept behind them.

Cheers!