Wine Expert Highlights Growing Trend of Lower-Alcohol Wines
A wine columnist shares her surprising discoveries among wines with 6-10% ABV, noting an increase in sales for these lower-alcohol options.
Lower-ABV wines are gaining popularity, with sales experiencing significant growth. Wine columnist Charlotte Kristensen, writing for You Magazine, recently conducted a tasting of wines ranging from 6-10% ABV, expressing a positive surprise at the quality and flavor profiles discovered.
Kristensen confessed to initial skepticism regarding 0% ABV wines, often finding them lacking in taste. However, her recent exploration of wines in the 6-10% ABV range yielded impressive results, dispelling her previous reservations. The article highlights several wines that stood out, attributing their lower alcohol content to a combination of naturally occurring lower-ABV styles, innovative winemaking techniques, and partial dealcoholization processes.
Among the praised selections was a wine described as approximately 25% lower in alcohol than a typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. This wine was noted for retaining the classic "herby zip" associated with the varietal, partly due to clever vineyard techniques.
Another noteworthy find was a Loire Valley wine, crafted from Grolleau Gris. Kristensen identified it as one of the best low-ABV white wines available for under £10, characterized by "garden florals meet zesty freshness."
A rosé wine also received commendation for its gluggable nature, featuring notes of white peach, raspberry, and pink blossom. Its refreshing acidity was highlighted as making it a convincing alternative to standard rosé offerings.
For red wine enthusiasts, a "finer-wine option" was presented: a plush red with bountiful berry flavors and a violet edge. Kristensen remarked that its quality was so high, one would "never guess it’s 6.5%" ABV. She recommended serving this red slightly chilled.