As the trend towards sobriety extends beyond Dry January into everyday life, the demand for high-quality no- and low-alcohol wines has surged. This guide delves into the best options available, offering detailed reviews and insights to help you enjoy a booze-free lifestyle without compromising on taste.
The Rise of Sober Curiosity
Whether you are a zebra-striper, alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic versions, or fully booze-free, the movement towards moderating alcohol intake is gaining momentum. The drinks industry has responded with a plethora of excellent alcohol-free products, ensuring that you can indulge in delicious beverages without the dreaded hangover.
How Non-Alcoholic Wine is Made
Non-alcoholic wine is produced using various methods, such as spinning cone technology or vacuum evaporation. High-vacuum, low-pressure distillation is considered a gentler approach, preserving aromas and flavours while being more eco-friendly. Some wines avoid fermentation altogether, resulting in fruitier, grapey tastes. It is worth noting that most non-alcoholic wines contain up to 0.5% alcohol, similar to everyday items like bread or fruit juice, but this is not enough to cause intoxication.
Sugar Content in Non-Alcoholic Wines
When alcohol is removed, wines can lose body and sweetness, leading producers to add sugar for balance. However, some non-alcoholic wines contain as much sugar as fruit juice or fizzy drinks, so it is advisable to check labels and consume in moderation.
Top Picks for No- and Low-Alcohol Wines
No- and Low-Alcohol White Wines
Moderato Colombard Cuvée Révolutionnaire, 0.5%: Priced at £14, this French alcohol-free white mimics real wine with fresh floral aromas and notes of lemon, grapefruit, and peach. Its founders are pioneers in France's alcohol-free wine movement.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Non-Alcoholic Blanc, <0.5%: Available for around £10.50, this organic option offers a crisp, dry taste with an authentic wine-like texture, made from chardonnay and chenin blanc in South Africa.
Bolle Chardonnay, <0.5%: At £19.99, this dealcoholised wine features real chardonnay notes of apricot, lemon, and apple, with no added sugar or flavours.
Brown Brothers Moscato Zero 2023, 0.5%: Costing £9.75, this sweet Australian wine with a gentle spritz is perfect for desserts or cheeseboards.
Torres Natureo, 0.0%: Priced at £5.45, this Spanish semi-dry wine from muscat grapes offers floral aromas and flavours of golden apple and pear.
Schloss Wachenheim AG 'Eisberg Selection' Pinot Grigio, 0.0%: At £8, this German wine is more expressive than many alcoholic versions, with notes of lemon, lime, and white peach.
6Percent Sauvignon Blanc, 6%: For £12.99, this mid-strength option from Bordeaux provides vibrant flavours at half the alcohol of typical wines.
No- and Low-Alcohol Rosé Wines
Wednesday's Domaine Elan, 0.0%: Priced from £15, this pale pink rosé features summery aromas of watermelon and strawberries with a dry, creamy texture.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Non-Alcoholic Rosé, 0.5%: At £9.95, this elegant, dry rosé from South Africa has subtle berry and citrus flavours.
M&S Alcohol-Free Rosé, 0.0%: A budget-friendly option at £4, bursting with berry and stone fruit flavours, ideal for casual gatherings.
Torres Viña Sol Rosé, 0.0%: Costing £5, this sweeter alternative offers freshness and summer fruit notes, perfect for parties.
No- and Low-Alcohol Red Wines
Tread Softly Everything Except Pinot Noir, <0.5%: Priced at £11.60, this wine features bright berry flavours, fresh acidity, and soft tannins.
Oddbird Domaine De La Prade Merlot, <0.5%: At £10, this merlot offers blackberry and plum notes with 12 months of maturation for added complexity.
Zeno Red, ~0.5%: Costing £10.25, this Spanish red impresses with berry fruit aromas layered with spice and savouriness.
Moderato Merlot-Tannat Cuvée Révolutionnaire, 0.5%: Priced at £14, this medium-bodied wine has a deep ruby colour with notes of oak and dried herbs.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Rouge, <0.5%: At £10.50, this bistro-style wine balances ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and soft tannins.
Brown Brothers Cienna Zero, 0.5%: Costing £9.18, this sweet, fizzy red is ideal for summer barbecues.
Future Château Syrah Grenache, 5%: Priced from £28.99, this mid-strength red offers fruity flavours with tannic grip, best served chilled.
No- and Low-Alcohol Sparkling White Wines
Wild Idol Alcohol Free Sparkling White, 0.0%: At £26.96, this wine uses müller-thurgau grapes for floral aromas and green apple flavours.
Bolle Blanc de Blancs, 0.5%: Priced at £19.99, this award-winning fizz features fine bubbles and layers of citrus and toasty notes.
Domaine de L'Arjolle Zero, 0.0%: Costing £13.45, this French sparkling wine offers zesty and floral aromatics with crisp flavours.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Dealcoholised Sparkling Chardonnay, 0.0%: At £9.50, this dry option is organic, vegan, and low in sugar.
La Gioiosa Alcohol Free Sparkling, 0.0%: A budget choice at £4.50, with fruity notes of pear, apple, and peach.
No- and Low-Alcohol Sparkling Rosé Wines
Oddbird Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rosé, 0.5%: Priced at £10.99, this balanced rosé features summer berry flavours with citrus notes.
French Bloom Le Rosé, 0.0%: At £29.75, this premium option mimics champagne elegance with organic chardonnay and pinot noir grapes.
Wild Life Botanicals Blush, 0.5%: Costing £12.50, this dealcoholised wine includes botanicals like lemon balm and damask rose for added health benefits.
Kylie Minogue Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé, 0.0%: Priced at £6, this sweet and vibrant option is affordable and crowd-pleasing.
Feral No5 Pét-Nat Rosé, 0.0%: At £24, this unique drink uses birch sap and botanicals for a tangy, cloudy-pink creation.
No- and Low-Alcohol Sparkling Teas
LA Brewery Sparkling English Blush Kombucha, 0.0%: Priced at £10, this kombucha offers tangy flavours of rhubarb and elderflower.
Real Peony Blush Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Tea, 0.0%: At £8, this light and floral tea features natural berry flavours.
Copenhagen Organic Sparkling Tea Blå, 0.0%: Costing £18.45, this complex tea blend includes jasmine, white, and darjeeling varieties.
Saicho Jasmine Sparkling Tea, 0.0%: Priced at £16.99, this award-winning tea offers floral aromas and flavours of pear, lychee, and vanilla.
With this comprehensive guide, you can explore a wide range of no- and low-alcohol wines and teas, ensuring a satisfying and sober experience year-round. Whether for health reasons or personal preference, these options prove that you do not need alcohol to enjoy a sophisticated drink.
