03 Jan 2024
As we welcome 2024, many of us are looking for ways to start the year on a positive note. Whether you’re aiming to cut down on alcohol, or simply enjoy a lighter drink, there are plenty of options to choose from in the world of wine.
This week I’m introducing you to three wines that offer low or no alcohol, but still deliver plenty of flavour and fun. From a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand to a fruity fizz from Spain, these wines are perfect for enjoying this January without compromising on taste.
The Doctors’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough (£10.99, Waitrose; £11.99 (£9.99 Mix Six), Majestic; £12.50, JN Wine)
This wine is made from the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc grapes, but with a lower alcohol content of 9.5%. The winemakers, John, and Brigid Forrest achieved this by using a technique called Selective Leaf Removal, which reduces the sugar level in the grapes without compromising the flavour, mouthfeel or structure of the wine.
The wine has a pungent aroma of tropical fruits and herbs, and a crisp and refreshing palate with notes of passionfruit, elderflower and saline minerality. It pairs well with fish dishes, such as smoked fish pie or baked fish with butter and herbs.
La Chica Bonita 2022, Valencia DO (£6.99 (£5.99 Mix 12), Laithwaites)
This wine is a low-alcohol fizz made from 100% Moscatel grapes by Fernando Tarin Casado, a Moscatel wizard from eastern Spain. The wine has a juicy and grapey aroma with hints of blossom and red apple, and a sweet and fruity palate with flavours of mandarin, apricot, honeysuckle and orange blossom. The wine has a balanced sweetness and acidity, and a light alcohol content of 5%. It is ideal for enjoying with a tea-time cake or spicy tapas.
¡H! Barcelona Alcohol-Free Sparkling NV, Cataluña DO (£6.99, Laithwaites)
This wine is an alcohol-free sparkling wine from the Cataluña region of Spain, made from the traditional Cava grapes: Macabeo, Parallada and Xarel-lo56. The wine is fermented and then all the alcohol is extracted, preserving the original aromas and flavours of the wine. It is then carbonated, adding a fine and lively mousse to the wine.
The wine has a fresh and fruity aroma of green apples and flowers, and a crisp and tropical palate of apricots and pineapple. It is perfect for pairing with tapas, seafood and light cheeses. I had this the other evening when I took on the role of dedicated driver. I was quite surprised at how sweet it was so only for those with a sweet tooth.
I hope you enjoyed this round-up of low and no alcohol wines, and that you’ll give them a try in the new year. These wines prove that you don’t need a high alcohol content to enjoy a delicious and refreshing drink. Whether you’re looking for a dry and mineral white, a sweet and sparkling rosé, or a bubbly and alcohol-free fizz, these wines have something for everyone.
