The REAL Co. reinforces expertise in fermentation and innovation with REAL Brut and REAL Noir, targeting fine dining and hospitality
The REAL Co., a leader in naturally fermented, alcohol-free beverages, is set to launch its highly anticipated Small-Batch Collection this November, featuring REAL Brut and REAL Noir. Designed to elevate non-alcoholic offerings within the fine dining and hospitality sectors, this new range reinforces The REAL Co. as the leading experts in the development of extraordinary alcohol-free fermented drinks. REAL Brut, a 0.5% ABV Brut, and REAL Noir, a 0.5% ABV Still Red, are made using The REAL Co.’s innovative fermentation methods. These unique methods have further evolved for the development of this collection, through blending exquisite loose leaf Oolong and Puerh teas with grape skins and grape seed and gently fermenting over French oak. This delivers truly outstanding and comparable alternatives to Champagne and red wine with a complexity and authenticity that appeals to the discerning palate.
To give this range the creative and credible platform it deserves, The REAL Co. have partnered with restaurant, Plates London, where Chef Kirk Haworth and Head Sommelier Alex Price have included both the Brut and Noir in their 2024 Christmas and New Year Tasting Menus; available for guests in December.
Chef Kirk Haworth said “It is an absolute pleasure to partner with an alcohol-free alternative that delivers the excellence and sophistication needed to be paired with the big flavours presented in a tasting menu. The REAL Co. have hit the nail on the head, and we are honoured to be a part of the journey.”
“Our Small-Batch Collection builds on The REAL Co.’s mission to set a benchmark in non-alcoholic fermentation and quality,” said David Begg, CEO & Founder. “With REAL Brut and REAL Noir, we’re excited to offer industry partners a refined alternative that exceeds anything else on the market and delivers on the complexity and experience of a good quality wine.”
Supporting this launch, The REAL Co. has recently collaborated with Berry Bros. & Rudd, one of the world’s oldest and most respected wine merchants, to create an exclusive Berry Bros. & Rudd Sparkling Tea. Reinforcing The REAL Co.’s credentials in alcohol-free fermentation, its expertise within the industry, and supporting its standing as the premium choice.
The REAL Co.’s Small-Batch Collection will be available from 27th November through select on-trade partnerships, its direct-to-consumer channels and through luxury retailer Jeroboams, underscoring the brand’s commitment to quality and excellence.
- Stockists:
The REAL Co. Website –https://realdrinks.co
REAL Brut – £25 75cl bottle
REAL Noir – £25 75cl bottle
- Tasting Notes:
REAL Brut
A blend of Tie Guan Yin Oolong tea and grape seed, fermented over oak.
This tea, known as the Iron Goddess of Mercy, is grown in the Anxi County of Fujian. Fermented with nutty grape seed and then aged over toasted oak, our Brut has aromas of orchard fruits and citrus. The palate has precise acidity combined with flavours of apple, pear and light brioche followed by a clean, crisp finish.Perfect as an apéritif or as an accompaniment to seafood or canapés.
REAL Noir
A blend of earthy Puerh tea and grape skins, fermented over oak to develop a medium bodied red with similar character to a Pinot Noir.
Large mature tea leaves are picked in Yunnan, China then piled and fermented for many months to bring out fruity and leathery tones. This is blended with grape skins and fermented a second time, before being aged over toasted oak to deliver a pleasant and complex finish. Delicious with cheese, creamy dishes and rich sauces.
About The REAL Co.
Founded in 2017, The REAL Co. exists to enable life without limits. Now produced in the heart of Buckinghamshire, in the UK’s first sustainable, state of the art Fermentery in the grounds of the famous Waddesdon Estate.
The REAL Co. business is headed up by Founder, David Begg who has worked with his team at The REAL Co. Fermentery to develop ground breaking and entirely unique fermentation methods, to create a range of award-winning alcohol-free drinks. Born a Kombucha, the REAL offering has now matured into a selection of sophisticated alternatives to Champagne and Sparkling Wine. Through mastering the art and precision of non-alcoholic fermentation and applying the learnings to the finest loose leaf teas, along with other natural substrates such as grape skins and seed, The REAL Co. Alcohol-Free consistently delivers the depth and complexity of a fine wine. The REAL Co. is continuously extending its presence and expertise across the industry, through brand and product collaborations.
Core Range
Peony Blush
Awards 2024 London Wine Competition – Gold, 91 Rated, Non Alcoholic Of The Year
2023 Great British Food Awards – Gold
Dry Dragon
World Alcohol-Free Awards 2023 – Gold
London Wine Competition 2023 – Bronze (against full-strength wines)
Royal Flush
London Wine Competition 2024 – Silver, 88 Rated
World Alcohol-Free Awards 2023 – Bronze
London Wine Competition 2023 – Bronze (against full-strength wine)
Great Taste Awards 2023 – 2 Stars
Imbibe 2020 – Best No & Low Wine
Imbibe 2020 – Sommeliers’ Choice: Best Food Pairing