by Rebecca Toy
raise a glass full of wine and free of alcohol
WINE DRINKERS REJOICE.
Dealcoholized wines, better known as non-alcoholic (NA) wines, offer the sensory delights of one of the world’s oldest beverages without alcohol’s deleterious effects. Evolving distilling technology helps winemakers ferment full-strength wine and embark on the vacuum distillation process which involves using heat to evaporate the alcohol, while preserving the flavors and aromas. This means top-notch producers still bring the same talent to a range of sans-alcohol options, from sparkling to crisp whites to dry reds.
“Simply put, it’s just wine without the alcohol,” says Geisen’s chief winemaker Duncan Shouler. An added bonus: These wines often have fewer calories than their intoxicating counterparts.
Some of the biggest fans in this growing movement are the winemakers themselves. In 2019, Geisen began a company well-being challenge that included a month without alcohol. “It sparked a mission: to find non-alcoholic alternatives that truly delivered an authentic wine experience,” Shouler says. Offer up some NA options alongside your other favorite beverages at your next family get-together or picnic.
“People’s drinking habits are changing,” says Amanda Thomson, CEO and founder of Thomas and Scott. “Drinkers who may have previously dismissed non-alcoholic wine will increasingly enjoy a glass or two alongside their favorite alcoholic bottles.”
Brands To Try
Thomas & Scott
Mentioned by the New York Times, Wine Enthusiast and USA Today, Noughty is poured in Michelin-star restaurants worldwide. The Sparkling Chardonnay is the brand’s signature pour, but its recently launched Noughty Blanc, a chenin/chardonnay, and Noughty Rouge, a syrah, are gaining ground.
Giesen
America’s number one selling NA wine serves a broad range of varietals and, as the Washington Post says, all are excellent. Wine Enthusiast notes that Giesen nails the often-elusive nuance needed in NA reds, staying fruity, dry and fullbodied with its Premium Red Blend.
Freixenet
Freixenet is a family-owned company started in rural Catalunya, Spain in 1861. Made from indigenous grapes, the Freixenet sparkling white and sparkling rosé offer a fruit-forward, fresh, plucky palate, and were conceived to cater to the health- and wellness-focused consumer.
Leitz
Rave reviews abound for this German producer’s collection, with everyone from Wine Enthusiast to the New York Times weighing in. The Riesling and Sparkling Rose are standout copies of the alcoholic styles.
