There are many reasons why it makes sense to monitor your alcohol intake. Whether you're hoping to improve your health or just want to keep your mind clear the next morning, low-alcohol drinks mean you don't have to give up drinking a cup entirely.
However, it can be confusing when choosing low-alcohol wines. In the UK, the government advises that drinks labeled “alcohol-free” should contain no more than 0.05 per cent ABV, non-alcoholic drinks should contain no more than 0.5 per cent, and drinks labeled “alcohol-free” should contain no more than 0.05 per cent ABV. Low Alcohol” has a maximum of 1.2 percent ABV. . Some imported drinks may be labeled differently, so it's important to check the label carefully if you're allergic to alcohol or keen to avoid it completely. When testing low-alcohol wines here, we only considered drinks with an alcohol content between 0.05 and 1.2 percent.
If you're just trying to reduce your alcohol intake, low-alcohol wine is an easier alternative than wine that contains no alcohol at all. Unlike non-alcoholic wine, which is often sweetened grape juice that has never been fermented, low-alcohol wine is usually made using the same process as wine, with the alcohol removed in the final stage.
“In the past, low- or no-alcohol wines had a reputation for being too sweet and not wine-like,” says Sophie Barnard, assistant wine buyer at UK wine trader Adnams. “However, the spinning cone technique now allows us to make this wine in the gentlest way possible, while retaining the aroma and flavor of the wine. The wine can then display all the characteristics of the grape variety.
As a result, many winemakers and major supermarkets are now producing their own versions. In general, white and rosé wines are easier to replicate because they have similar fruity or floral flavors and can tolerate being a little sweeter. Anything with bubbles works well too, as the fizz masks the lack of alcohol but allows the wine to have a similar flavour. Choose carefully and you won't miss the wine at all.
How we tested
We tasted a range of low-alcohol wines between 0.05 per cent and 1.2 per cent, and tested a wide range of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines to find the best wines for every occasion. We tested each as we would regular wine, judging the aroma, appearance and taste of each. We also thought about how similar each is to its more alcoholic alternative and whether they would be paired with food or best enjoyed on their own.
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