The fine waters category is a growing market within the larger bottled water segment. As an accessible luxury segment, fine waters offer health benefits and significant enjoyment to their consumers.
Fine water is not a commodity with uniform characteristics but a natural, unprocessed product with terroir reflecting its origins’ geology and circumstances. Like wine, fine waters have a story and often have a long history attached to them.
Source
A water’s source can determine how it tastes, whether it’s still or carbonated and what kind of glassware it should be served in. A natural source – such as artesian wells – produces water that is both high in quality and unique to its place of origin.
This type of water is filtered through dense ignimbrite rock, leaving it naturally pure and without any man-made pollutants that can affect other mineral waters from much shallower sources. It has a neutral pH and doesn’t taint or dominate the palate when paired with fine wines, making it a great choice for those who want a pure and gentle experience with their water.
Unlike spring water, which is defined as springs that are linked underground, fine waters come from unique and rare sources such as glaciers, rainwater and ice. As with any natural beverage, fine waters are a delight for the senses and should be cherished.
Aesthetics
Fine water has a wide range of properties and is a healthy alternative to alcohol and sugary soft drinks. It can be used to help prevent a range of health problems including cancer, osteoporosis and hypertension.
The properties of fine water are attributed to its terroir, the geological and environmental conditions that affect its origins. In particular, the mineral content of fine water can be highly beneficial to health and wellbeing.
Aesthetic appreciation is the process by which we come to recognise and value certain qualities in a work of art or culture. This can be a complex process that involves coming to understand the history of production, the ontology of the work, and its context within the culture in which it was created.
Taste
Water paired with food is a great way to highlight the nuances of flavors and textures. In fact, it’s been found that the smallest amount of fine water can make a difference in a dish, making it an essential part of the upscale dining experience.
There’s a reason why fine water is often called the “new wine.” It’s not simply that it tastes better than tap water, but because it changes flavor profiles in the most exceptional ways possible.
The best bottled waters are natural, unprocessed and come from various sources that reflect the area in which they’re produced. They also have a host of properties that benefit human health.
One of the most impressive is the water from an iceberg, which is rare enough to warrant a special bottle. It was also the first water to be recognized by the Fine Water Society as a “super low mineral” – a coveted designation of taste and purity.
Health
Fine waters can help you stay hydrated and provide your body with key minerals, which are essential for the healthy functioning of your cells. You can find many different mineral water brands, each with a specific set of benefits.
One of the most common types is mineral water, which can be categorized by the amount of naturally present dissolved minerals (TDS) in it. Magnesium, calcium and sodium are the most common ions in this type of water, but others can also be found.
In addition to minerals, some waters can also contain electrolytes – the chemical compounds that regulate the balance of fluids in your body. These can be helpful in cases of extreme heat, or when you’ve exercised heavily and need to replace electrolytes.
However, there are some possible risks with these water types. For instance, some minerals like iron can become harmful once they’re overconsumed and stored in the body. This can lead to health problems, such as anemia.