Welcome to the April issue's creator highlights. Meet Michael Colangelo, a flavor chemist for Surely Wines, who currently resides in San Francisco, California. Colangelo is set to take the stage at Flavorcon 2023 to discuss the technique of dealcoholizing wine. The flavor chemist will dig into the challenges and how to rebuild the flavor profiles in low-to-no wines and non-alcoholic sips. And yes, there will be plenty of samples ranging from full to non-alcoholic so that attendees can get a taste of the process. Be sure to visit www.flavorcon.com to join the mailing list for the event scheduled for November 8-9 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Without further ado, let’s get to know Michael Colangelo.
P&F+: What applications do you primarily formulate for? Do you have a favorite?
Michael Colangelo [MC]: I primarily formulate/develop beverages; specifically, in the healthier living space. Currently, non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic wine, cocktails and beers.
P&F+: Are there any recent projects/wins you’re particularly proud of?
MC: Our most recent launch at Surely was for the Bubbly Red product—a non-alcoholic red wine (comprised of a dealcoholized blend of cabernet and pinot noir). What made this particular product launch special was the nature of the project, timing and circumstances. When I joined Surely in May 2022, they were already deep into the project and had hit a bit of a roadblock in regard to direction and consumer experience. We took a step back and reviewed the whole product brief, adjusted our objectives and in under three months had Bubbly Red ready for production. The teamwork, speed and agility to turn the project into a smashing success in such a short time frame is such a testament to the entire team.
To explore the entire article, visit Perfumer & Flavorist+’s April issue.
