Introduction
Non-alcoholic wines are all the rage right now! It’s something for everyone. While typical alcohol drinkers might protest, there are numerous reasons why one should switch to non-alcoholic wine. Be it due to health reasons, or religious beliefs. It is a great common ground for everyone. You get the conventional taste of wine with more social engagement. In this blog, we’ll be providing information about non-alcoholic wines, the differences between normal and non-alcoholic wines, their benefits, how it is made, and quite some recommendations. So hop on the vineyard adventure!
What is non-alcoholic wine?
As one might know, regular wines are made by crushing grapes and then fermenting their natural sugars to be converted into alcohol. Non-alcoholic wine is also a fermented beverage following the same methods as traditional wine and then de-alcoholized through various technologies to evaporate the alcohol.
The first traces of non-alcoholic wine were found back in wineries in The States during the probation period starting from 1920 up until 1933 when alcohol was illegal. Boiling the fermented wine was one of the most common ways to de-alcoholize it. This however was not up to snuff, as it involved the boiling of wine until the alcohol was just separated. This resulted in the wine losing all its flavor and structure.
Let’s discuss how a non-alcoholic wine is made:
Crush ‘em grapes
Fresh grapes are harvested from farms and are crushed into a mush-like mixture to release the natural sugars found in grapes. These sugars contribute to the natural process of fermentation and producing alcohol.
Fermentation
Fermenting agents such as yeast are added to this mixture of crushed grapes or grape wort and sugar or water depending on the sugar levels in the grapes are added. This is then left untouched with an airlock to let the carbon dioxide escape, yet restricts oxygen and other bacteria to enter the wort. Yeast breaks down the natural sugar from the grapes to form alcohol.
Now this is the process of making a typical wine, however, there is one more added step while making non-alcoholic wine, which is the de-alcoholization. There are various ways to de-alcoholize the wine. Some of them are listed below:
Reverse-Osmosis:
In this method, the wine is made to pass through a membrane with various filters which separates the alcohol from the water and flavor compounds. The alcohol that is left behind is distilled off, making non-alcoholic wine.
Vacuum Distillation:
This revolutionary method for creating non-alcoholic wine was founded back in the 1970s. In this method, the wine is stored in a controlled, pressurized medium which reduces the boiling point of alcohol. The wine is then heated until the alcohol has evaporated and you’re left behind with the non-alcoholic wine.
Spinning Cone Column:
One of the most effective ways of de-alcoholizing alcohol. The wine is spun in spinning cones and through centrifugal force, and gentle heating, the alcohol is evaporated off, preserving even the most delicate of flavor profiles, retaining the purest taste of wine with no alcohol.
Health Benefits and Drawbacks
Aside from the scathing hangover that was mentioned previously, you might just be surprised to know that there are more benefits of non-alcoholic wines than you can think of. Don’t trust us? Well, here are the reasons as to why it is good for you!
Anti-oxidants
It was important to prove that non-alcoholic wine is good so much so that we have to start with one of the highest-ranked benefits among the list. Non-alcoholic wines are still wines without alcohol, and modern-day technologies have made it possible that wine can still retain its nutrients such as flavonoids and resveratrol.
Cardiovascular Health!
Wine help you regulate your cardiovascular condition? Sign me up already! Resveratrol as we discussed earlier is known to reduce LDL known as “bad” cholesterol. This encourages proper blood supply and improves the condition of your blood vessels.
Beat those calories
A normal glass of wine contains around 130-140 calories, and a normal human would consume at least 2-3 glasses of wine if they are out socializing or just at a perfectly romantic date night dinner. A glass of non-alcoholic wine on the other hand can contain less than 10 calories!
Better Sleep
Numerous studies are proving the relationship between sleep and alcohol. While you may sleep immediately after consuming excessive alcohol, broken REM sleep, restlessness, and the hangover will always come to beat you. With non-alcoholic wines, you can have as much as you want and yet have a peaceful, comfortable sleep.
Pregnancy and other health conditions
Pregnant women are strictly advised against the consumption of alcohol. Not to mention, liver failures, kidney problems, and brain damage are just a few reasons why one should reduce alcohol consumption. It’s a win-win scenario with non-alcoholic wines, as you get to socialize or just have a peaceful evening without any harm!
Keep in mind though no matter how sure one can be distilling off the alcohol, one should be very cautious as there could be traces of alcohol in certain brands. Brands containing 0.5% alcohol in their non-alcoholic wines are usually waved off, and as a consumer, you must be aware of the products you consume.
Non-alcoholic wine as closely as it resembles original wine, would lack some flavour profiles and experience. The rich mouth feels and viscosity of wines may differ as the alcohol used to work as a binding agent for these flavors, and by removing alcohol, it is stripped off of it. Hence, there are some changes between normal and non-alcoholic wines.
Taste and Flavor Profiles
The taste and flavor profiles of wine depend on various conditions. These can depend on the type of fruit or berries used, how flavors are added to grape wort, and what kinda fruity combinations are to be mingled with each other.
Alcoholic wines have a richer and more viscous mouth feel to them whereas, non-alcoholic wines often feel lighter and airier. Non-alcoholic wines tend to have a muted aroma and usually taste sweeter because of the added sugar to compensate for the lack of alcohol. To read more about the taste and flavor profiles of wines, click here.
Similar to regular wines, we have similar non-alcoholic wines as well. Following are some great choices and examples of the types of wine.
Non-alcoholic Red Wines
Red wines generally carry a deeper richer flavour profile as they are made with dark fruits and berries. Cabernet Sauvignons are great examples of the complex flavor profiles alongside Merlots and Pinot Noirs.
Non-alcoholic White wines
White wines often hold fruitier and floral flavors with a light mouth feel. These are generally made with fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, and even lemons! Chardonnay and Sauvignon are amazing choices for non-alcoholic white wines.
Non-alcoholic sparkling wines
Carbonated wines with a fizzy mouth feel compensate for the mid-palate weight loss caused due to removing alcohol. The effervescent bubbles create a great and enjoyable experience. Sparkling Rosé and Sparkling White make up a good example of sparkling wines.
Best Non-alcoholic wines in the market
Now there are a variety of non-alcoholic wines available for you to purchase on the market, but which one would you want to get? Let us guide you through it:
Non-alcoholic Red Wines:
- Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon for flavors of cherry and blackcurrant with hints of oak.
- Luminara Non-Alcoholic Red Blend includes Pinot Noirs providing a smooth and complex profile.
From the house:
- NON - ‘NON 7’ Stewed Cherry and Coffe Non-Alcoholic Wine blends the perfect taste of fruity cherries and smoky, earthy coffee with spices like allspice and pink peppercorns defining even the minute flavors and enhancing them.
Non-alcoholic White Wines:
- Fre Chardonnay includes flavors of apples and pears with notes of oak.
- Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling for a citrus boost and an enlivening acidity.
From the house:
- NON - ‘NON 1’ Salted Raspberry and Chamomile Non-Alcoholic Wine inspired by Rosé combines the fruity notes of raspberries and floral notes of Chamomile to bring out a delightful blend that is smooth and easygoing.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wines:
- Noughty Alcohol-Free sparkling Chardonnay is renowned to be one of the best non-alcoholic wines out there.
- Pierre Chavin Perle Rosé is infamous for its bright pink hue and its impeccable berry flavor profiles.
From the house:
- KALLY - ‘Golden Sparkler’ Non-Alcoholic Sparkling wine with unmatched floral notes of jasmine, honey, and citrus, creates a blend that turns every sip into an experience.
Top-rated wines around the globe
In comparison to non-alcoholic wine, we have listed some of the best regular wines you can find in stores locally. While there may be different brands depending on your location, the best varietals include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz
A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet creates the perfect mix of classic berry notes and a complex structure with a rich mouth feel.
Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru
Made with Pinot Noir grapes, this wine is famous for its depth in flavor and complex notes.
Alkoomi Shiraz Viognier
Reminiscing the French Côte-Rôtie, the wine has hints of ripe blackberry and has a subtle peppery taste to it.
Louis M Martini Lot No 1 Cabernet Sauvignon
Hailing from the Valleys of Napa, the wine is composed of black cherry, green apple, and fennel roots with the classic layers of oak that one can expect from the Napa wines.
Anthony Road Dry Riesling
The Riesling holds elements like apples, honey, and green tea. Presents a crisp mouth feel and is quite pleasant and refreshing.
Kozlović Malvasia
A very mineral-rich, crisp wine with flavors such as citrus and ripe melons. It also holds a trace of slight bitterness to it which makes it well paired with rich foods.
Kobal Sivi Pinot
A perfect blend of flavors and scents that transports you to an angelic garden with its prominent flowery notes and fruity notes from ripe pears, red apples, and melons.
Suhru Wines Sauvignon Blanc
As the company describes itself with fruitiness from gooseberries, quince, lime, and aromas surrounding grapefruit rinds, it is evident that the wine has major citrus notes to it.
Chapel Down Rose Brut NV
Sparkling Rosé made from Pinot Noir grapes, with flavors of red berries with a crisp finish, famous for being served at the reception of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée
Featuring light carbonation with flavors of toasty brioche, honey, apple, and a hint of spice, the wine is known to have the potential to outdo Champagne at points.
Occasions call for wine!
Different occasions call for different drinks! Like for a social event, one wouldn’t necessarily reach out for the deep red wines, rather something light, airy, and fruity would be more appropriate for the event. Let’s elaborate a little about it.
Casual drinking calls for a good white wine. The fruity taste with floral aromas brings out a refreshing feel and with the subtle acidity creates the perfect choice to uplift mood. The NON - ‘NON 3’ Toasted Cinnamon and Yuzu Non- Alcoholic Wine with the citrus notes from the yuzu fruit, and spices would create a refreshing splash with a touch of spice to brighten up the mood.
Formal or special occasions call for a deep-flavored elegant wine with a complex structure. You can always trust the red wines to create the perfect mood for an evening. With some planning and a bold Merlot, even the kitchen top can feel like a 3-star Michelin restaurant.
What wine would be the best to pair with your food? Well, it depends on what you’re having! For appetizers, a charcuterie board is best paired with sparkling wines. The TOST - Sparkling White Tea w/ Cranberry & Ginger would be a great pairing for you to enjoy with your cheese board. For white meats and seafood, you should opt for something light such as a Pinot Grigios or Chardonnay, whereas, if you’re having something rich like red meat or a dessert, you should rather opt for a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a Pinot Noir.
Customer Reviews and Where to Buy?
Reviews from various traditional wine drinkers have appreciated the ‘NON’ wines quite a bit. With its carefully curated taste and quality, it is assured to win connoisseurs’ hearts. So much so that even the traditional wine drinkers were fooled by NON’s Salted Raspberry & Chamomile Non-Alcoholic Wine for a Rosé. To read more about reviews, click here.
There are quite a bit of online stores that sell non-alcoholic wines commonly today. We at The Epicurean Trader hold an exquisite collection of non-alcoholic wines. If you’d like to experience these amazing flavors, head over to our website and order some for yourself online, or find out the nearby locations and come visit us in-store!
Conclusion
With this, we have come to the end of our vineyard adventures. To summarise, we have learned about non-alcoholic wines, how they are made, and how beneficial they are for us. From learning about them to knowing various wines, and having quite a few recommendations, including some of our masterpieces. We hope that through this blog, you have a better understanding of non-alcoholic wine and maybe a plethora of reasons as to why you should be switching to non-alcoholic wine! If you’re still afraid of disappointment, head over to The Epicurean Trader’s website and surf through our variety of wines, and we can assure you will not be let down.
Let us know about your favorite non-alcoholic wines and share the knowledge or your experiences with us in the comment section. We would also love to read your thoughts and ideas!
