Now, more than ever, people are prioritising their health and wellbeing over partying.
These days we proactively moderate our alcohol intake, while a large proportion of those who consume low and no-alcohol also drink full-strength alcohol. Indeed, many folks are defining themselves as ‘sober-curious’ – consciously choosing when, and when not to, drink on each social occasion.
What are low- and no-alcohol wines?
Amelia Singer (@amelias_wine), an internationally acclaimed wine expert who’s just launched season two of her podcast, Ameliarate Through Wine, gives us the lowdown.
“Thanks to technology, it’s possible to make an alcohol-free wine by making it in the same way as a traditional wine with the same grapes, then undergoing a process to remove all of the alcohol,” she explains.
“This can be done through vacuum distillation, which removes alcohol from wine by heating the liquid so it’s hot enough for the alcohol to evaporate but with the flavour and aromas staying intact. Reverse osmosis is another technique where the wine is put into a very tight filter that only allows water and ethanol (the alcohol) to pass through, leaving the colour, tannins and flavour behind. The water is later recombined to dilute into the wine into a batch-produced, non-alcoholic product.”
Singer adds: “Low-alcohol wines are simply wines that are lower in ABV (alcohol by volume) due to the climate, grapes and production techniques used to make them. A wine is defined as alcohol-free as soon as it’s below 0.5 degrees, whereas a low-alcohol wine can range from five to ten degrees – although there’s no specific range.
As someone who works in the industry and can be surrounded by alcohol most days of the week, I’ve welcomed the increasing awareness and product offerings within the low and no category. Whether you want to cut down, are pregnant or simply want to embrace a sober life with delicious alternatives, this category fulfils a need where mindful drinking and wellness are globally championed.”
Why low and no-alcohol wines are worth investing in
The expert explains: “In the past, beers and spirits have been able to achieve more desirable non-alcoholic beverages than the wine industry, but technology has improved and so has our awareness of the fact it’s an important wine-adjacent category.
According to the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show, 76 per cent of low and no consumers also drink alcohol, so these wines should be seen as an extension, not a disruption. The low and no industry in 2022 were worth £12m and by 2032 will have doubled to £24m. It’s a sector worth investing in!”
How to choose low and no-alcohol wines
“Look for certain grapes and cooler wine regions, where [lower alcohol] happens naturally in the fermentation process”, Singer explains.
“Pet-Nat, dry Muscat, Vinho Verde, Riesling, Frumint and Moscato d’Asti are all naturally low options. When it comes to finding a lovely non-alcoholic wine, sparkling is generally the easiest to compare as the bubbles give added texture and body that can be noticeably lacking with de-alcoholised still versions.
Aromatic grapes such as Moscato, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc can also mask the lack of alcohol due to the intensity of fruit and perfume on offer. I must confess, I’m still on the lookout for a decent, full-bodied and complex non-alcoholic red wine! It is, however, exciting to see the developments in this category and I’m certain that I will discover it soon.”
From red to white and rosé – across still and sparkling – here are the best of the bunch.
Brancott Estate Flight Sauvignon Blanc White Wine
Low in both calories and alcohol content, Brancott Estate Flight is a zesty and vibrant white wine from Marlborough, Australia, that’s 20 per cent lighter than traditional Sauvignon Blancs.
Passionfruit, lemon and grapefruit aromas combine with lemon, sherbet and mango flavours to serve up a refreshing, crisp and lively alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality. We particularly love it in a spritz over ice with soda water and a sprig of mint.
Buy now £7.00, Sainbury's
Bartenura Moscato Low Alcohol Sparkling White Wine
Canned wine is all the rage right now and is particularly good for enjoying on the go in summer, whether on the train, in the park or at a festival. But drinking all day in the sun can leave you with a banging headache.
To avoid the grief, swap your usual tinny with Bartenura: a low-alcohol sparkling white wine in a can. It’s bright, sweet and bubbly with aromas of pear and peach on the nose and sweet but delicate citrus on the palate. Absolutely cracking.
Buy now £18.84, Amazon
Tread Softly Rosé 2023
Hailing from Australia, this light-pink rosé – lighter in alcohol than the usual 13.5 per cent at just 9.9 per cent – is all strawberry, vanilla and spicy aromas with flavours of red fruit, citrus and floral notes. It’s deliciously fresh and flavoursome with a creamy texture that complements barbecued seafood.
Its name, Tread Softly, refers to a production process designed for minimal impact to the environment. Better still, the makers plant one native tree for every six bottles sold.
Buy now £9.99, Waitrose
Hardys Zero Chardonnay
Harnessing cutting-edge de-alcoholising technology that removes the booze without the taste – using less sugary additives than traditional methods – Hardys Zero Chardonnay is a corker for those who like their white deliciously dry and zesty. You can expect everything you would of a typical Chardonnay – including white peach and pineapple notes, plus a juicy and refreshing palette – without the hangover. What’s not to love?
Buy now £4.00, Tesco
Pale Fox Prosecco Alcohol Free
Billed as ‘the world’s finest Prosecco’, Pale Fox is a super-swanky, single-estate Prosecco from the Asolo region near Venice in Italy. Its alcohol-free offering doesn’t let the side down with a blend of Pinot Grigio and Prosecco grapes used to make a classic wine before removing the booze. The result is complex and celebratory with an extra-dry balance of acidity, fruit and yeasty notes. We love the bottle, too, which looks elegant on the bar and will make non-drinkers feel like grown-ups.
Buy now £20.95, Amazon
Nice Session Merlot
Nice, maker of canned and boxed wine and led by a female team, has now created Sessions: a Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot that use the same grapes but have dialled-down the alcohol to offer more sessionable sips at 3.4 per cent (the clue’s in the name with this one). Our pick is the Merlot, a juicy, fruity and seriously smooth number with a hint of spice on the palate. Delish.
Buy now £10.00, Nice
Eisberg Cabernet Sauvignon Alcohol Free Wine
Well-balanced, vaguely sweet and alcohol-free, Eisberg Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to even the heartiest of dishes or desserts despite its lack of booze. It’s made with big, red Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with the alcohol removed and features distinctive flavours of cassis and berry with a fresh and fruity finish.
Buy now £3.25, Morrisons
M&S Alcohol Free Rosé
Perfect for pairing with a Monday-night salad or salmon, this reassuringly pale rosé from none other than Marks & Sparks may have had the booze removed but still retains vibrant fruit and berry flavours. No easy feat, as even the most accomplished of winemakers know all too well. Goes down an absolute treat any day of the week.
Buy now £4.00, Ocado
Dr L Grey Slate Riesling
This Riesling is the epitome of elegance in a tall and slender bottle that doesn’t scream ‘low-alcohol’ like most bottles trying to cater to an increasing thirst for lighter alternatives. It’s beautifully structured with green apple, pineapple and white peach flavours with a surprisingly powerful finish. Up there with the best.
Buy now £7.49, Waitrose Cellar
Domaine Lafage Miraflors Lafabuleuse Blanc 2023
Coming in at 10.5 per cent, this light white by Domaine Lafage from Languedoc-Roussillon, France, certainly doesn’t scrimp on flavour with a fresh and fruity palate of pineapple, green apple and exotic fruit teamed with aromas of rose and white fruit. It’s slightly bubbly, too, while being beautifully pale in colour.
Buy now £13.85, Urban Grapes
Asda Extra Special Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Low Alcohol
Pop as many corks as you like for celebrations this summer without the risk of spoiling the party with this low-alcohol fizz from Asda’s premium Extra Special label. Made from hand-picked grapes that are de-alcoholised, it’s vibrant and zesty with fresh citrus flavours. We like how the bottle has the shape, weight and style of Champagne, too.
Buy now £4.00, Asda
Kylie Minogue Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé
Even Queen Kylie’s getting in on the no-alcohol action with this booze-free alternative to traditional Provencal rose. Part of her own-brand wine label, the bottle looks exactly the same as the boozy one while the flavours aren’t half-bad, either. Refreshing and finely balanced with a pleasingly pale pink hue. Rosé all day? Yes, way!
Buy now £6.00, Tesco
Gratien and Meyer Festillant Sparkling Sans Alcohol
From expert producer Gratien and Mayer comes this pocket-friendly, booze-free sparkling wine that’s gloriously golden in colour with refreshing lemon and apple flavours. It’s made from grapes grown in Gascony, France, with just one fermentation in the bottle, while the alcohol is whizzed out using a process of vacuum distillation. Sublime.
Buy now £4.50, The Wine Society
Wild Idol Non Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé
Served at summer’s biggest events, from Glastonbury to Royal Ascot and Wimbledon, it’s not surprising to learn that Wild Idol Non Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé is pretty decent stuff. After all, if it’s good enough for high society’s biggest movers and shakers… Expect red apple, dried redcurrant and red cherry flavours with creamy bubbles, bright acidity and a dry finish.
Buy now £20.00, Ocado
Belle & Co Sparkling Rose Alcohol Free Wine
If your M.O goes along the lines of ‘rose all day’, you needn’t let a little thing like going teetotal stop you. Belle & Co offers a tasty loophole with its sparkling rose alcohol-free wine, made from unfermented grapes and green tea. It’s a great option for slimmers too, with only 22cal per 100ml.
Buy now £5.95, Amazon
Nosecco Spumante Alcohol Free
Celebrating soberdom with a glass of something fizzy may feel counterintuitive - like marking X days sugar free with a Snickers - but wait, hear us out.
Alcohol-free sparkling wine has arrived to put the sparkle back into your month, all while keeping to your good intentions. Nosecco Spumante Alcohol Free has the look and taste of Italian bubbles, but is virtually booze free with 0.5 per cent. It’s been made with de-alcoholised white wine so it won’t give you a buzz, but there is a trace so it’s something to bear in mind if you want to go completely booze-free.
Buy now £3.50, Asda
Tesco Low Alcohol Cabernet Tempranillo 75cl
If you want to curb your alcohol levels without sacrificing a satisfying glass of red at the end of the day, this bottle may prove your saviour. Made with grapes plucked from a Spanish vineyard, the producers have used a ‘spinning cone’ method that removes the alcohol but leaves behind all of the delicious flavour.
Buy now £3.25, Tesco
