One of the hottest trends today is the rise of sophisticated, alcohol-free beverages, including wine. Whether for health reasons or just for enjoyment, the non-alcoholic market has exploded, offering the pleasure and taste of wine without the buzz.
Not a Wine Replacement, A Wine Alternative
Alcohol-free wines are not a replacement for traditional wines but an alternative. These wines undergo the same initial winemaking process as traditional wines until the point of removing the alcohol. However, removing the alcohol also removes flavor, mouthfeel, and sweetness, making this a significant challenge to winemakers.
Two processes dominate alcohol removal: vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis. In vacuum distillation, alcohol evaporates through applied heat. Under reverse osmosis, filters do the work to remove the alcohol. Both processes are responsible for removing more than just the alcohol.
So, winemakers apply other techniques, like blending or adding different components, to create a more complete wine. The goal is to replicate the wine’s original qualities as much as possible.
Look for one of these terms on the bottle: dealcoholized (the official term) alcohol-removed, zero alcohol, or alcohol-free. A product with added ingredients like tea or juice is a wine beverage, not a wine.
Wine Benefits for Everyone
Zero and low-alcohol wines offer many benefits for people of all ages, such as:
Health
A glass of wine with dinner is one of life’s simple pleasures, but our bodies change as we age. By choosing an alcohol-free wine, you can reduce your risk of health issues, such as sleep disruption or liver damage.
Moderation
Wine lovers understand the importance of moderation even if they don’t want to give up wine’s pleasures. To balance pleasure with well-being, choose a low or alcohol-free wine instead.
Driver Approved
If you are the designated driver, you won’t feel left out by limiting yourself to soda or water. Sip a tasty low- or no-alcohol wine and drive home safely.
Mental Clarity
Alcohol is a depressant, and while it might relax you for a while, regular use can negatively affect your mood and focus. Skip the mental fog by choosing a zero-alcohol wine.
More Wine Choices, Better Wine Quality
With all this in mind, it’s no wonder that the market has grown. Advanced technologies have led to higher quality, so indulging responsibly in a glass or two of wine is becoming easier. You can choose from various wines with surprising complexity and depth, from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon. The best products compare favorably with their alcoholic counterparts.
Start Your Wine Journey
With such diversity to explore, find your new favorite with these tips:
- Try popular brands like JØYUS, Sovi, Surely, Thompson & Scott Noughty, Giesen, or Ariel. Sutter Home’s line of Fre Wines includes red blends, white zinfandel, chardonnay, and dry sparkling wines.
- Read reviews on websites and blogs.
- Visit local wine retailers to guide you and provide recommendations.
- Look for lower-alcohol wines like these made in Texas:
- Longhorn Cellars (Fredericksburg) features a 2022 PIQUETTE, a blended sparkling low-alcohol rosé.
- Fall Creek Vineyards (Driftwood) offers two low-alcohol options from its new label, Lescalo: Rosé 2021 and Chenin Blanc 2020.
- English Newsom Cellars (Lubbock, TX) offers a 2021 Picardan (dry) and the 2021 Flirt line of sweeter wines, both around 11% alcohol.
Note that dealcoholized wine can oxidize quickly, so don’t save these; drink them instead.
Join the Wine Party
If you want to live a healthier lifestyle, prioritize your well-being, or simply enjoy a relaxing glass of wine without the downside, try an alcohol-free wine. Cheers!
