As we kick off the new year, many of us are looking to make healthier choices. There’s a growing trend called Dry-ish January for those who want to moderate their alcohol intake without giving up on flavour.
Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie!
Great to be with you, Paul! I’m excited to share these wines that prove less can be more with wines of elegance rather than power.
How big is this trend?
Market research shows that 46% of Gen Z participated in Dry January last year, with Millennials and Gen X at about 20%. Even more are choosing “Dry-ish” or “Damp” January with low alcohol wines. 94% of those who buy alcohol-free wines also buy traditional wines. This category is expected to reach US $30 billion this year.
How do they make low- and no-alcohol wine?
Low alcohol wine is often made by picking the grapes early so that they don’t over-ripen with loads of sugar in them. Sugar gets converted into alcohol during fermentation, so low sugar will give you low alcohol.
For de-alcoholized wine, think of it like making decaf coffee: you want to keep the flavour but lose the buzz. We start with regular wine, then gently remove the alcohol either by letting it evaporate or by filtering it through a delicate membrane that only catches the alcohol molecules, letting the flavour and everything else through.
Whether it’s evaporation or filtration, there’s usually a 30% loss in volume of the wine. That’s why de-alcoholized wines often cost more than the alcoholic wines, which surprises many people who think they should be cheaper because they’re missing an ingredient.
Let’s start with your first wine. What do you have for us?
Giesen Sparkling
New Zealand
The Giesen Sparkling is a delicious alcohol-free wine from New Zealand. It’s bursting with aromas of lime zest and lemon sunshine.
Dealcoholized wines are ideal for lunch meetings when you don’t have time for an afternoon nap afterwards, or when you’re the designated driver or some of your guests are.
There are also health and religious reasons that people prefer these wines so keep some on hand even if you don’t partake. Personally, I do enjoy them and they’re a great way to pace myself during an evening when I alternate between them and regular wines.
The Giesen Sparkling is so juicy and mouth-watering it’ll pair well with seafood and keeping your New Year’s resolutions. It’s available from Amazon and other online retailers.
What do you have for us next?
Avondale Sky Tidal Bay
Newport Landing, Nova Scotia
I have the Avondale Sky Tidal Bay from Newport Landing in Nova Scotia. Tidal Bay is a fresh, floral, light-bodied style unique to Nova Scotia. The alcohol level is just 10% as compared to an average of 13% or higher for many table wines these days.
Low-alcohol wines tend to be refreshing and zesty, since alcohol provides both body and heat. It’s like the difference in weight between whole milk and skim milk.
I’d pair this Tidal Bay with a delicate pan-seared herb-crusted halibut, served with steamed asparagus tips and a light lemon-caper sauce that enhances the wine’s crisp acidity.
For red wine lovers, what options do we have?
Pure Vision Shiraz
Australia
I have a smooth, full-bodied dealcoholized Shiraz from Australia. The bonus is that this Pure Vision wine is also organic. It has seductive aromas of ripe dark berry fruit that would be perfect with a juicy steak. It’s also available from several online retailers including psalcoholfree.com.
One note: wines labeled “dealcoholized” might still contain a tiny amount of alcohol (usually less than 0.5%). If you want completely alcohol-free wine, look for “alcohol-free” on the label and/or 0% alcohol by volume (abv). A bonus is that many of these wines have an ingredient label on the back so you can also get information about serving sizes, calories and sugar levels.
What about a lighter option?
Cave Spring Riesling
Ontario
I have the Cave Spring Riesling from Niagara, Ontario. Riesling is naturally low in alcohol and thrives in a cool climate like Ontario and Nova Scotia.
I’d pair this with a Mediterranean-inspired grilled vegetable and quinoa bowl topped with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and a light lemony vinaigrette that makes every bite sing with flavor.
Natalie, these suggestions are fantastic! Any final words of wisdom for our viewers?
Here’s to new beginnings and better choices, without sacrificing taste or pleasure!
Thank you, Natalie! Where can we find you and these wines online?
On Instagram, you can find me posting wine reviews and tips at:
Online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
Posted with permission of Global News.
