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, Bindu!
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.
A whopping 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 dealcoholized 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.
Are certain types of dealcoholized wines better than others?
In my opinion, the best dealcoholized wines are sparkling wines since effervescence adds body and unoaked white wines like Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc have zesty acidity to give them more oomph.
Dry red wines are more of a struggle as you’re missing both alcohol and sugar without the help of bubbles and acid. However, I’ve discovered several that I like. Sweet red wines are terrific with dark chocolate for dessert.
What are some other reasons or occasions driving this trend?
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.
Do low and no-alcohol wines taste different?
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.
What should we look for on the label?
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.
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).
How should we serve dealcoholized wines?
Treat low and no-alcohol wines just like other wines but serve them a bit cooler to enhance their freshness (10–12°C for whites and 14–16°C for reds). Use the same type of glassware as you would for regular wines so that you can swirl and smell their aromas.
Pair whites and bubblies with lighter dishes such as seafood, salads, and mild cheeses for whites. Reds can handle grilled vegetables, mushroom dishes, and lighter meat dishes. I’d avoid very fatty foods.
Can you cook with these wines?
These wines can be perfect for cooking, especially in risottos or sauces where you want wine flavour without the alcohol. Just be sure you’re choosing wines that you’d also love to drink as their flavour will come through in the food.
St. Regis Selection Sauvignon Blanc
South of France, France
St. Regis Selection Pinot Noir
South of France, France
Pure Vision Wines Zero Shiraz
Adelaide Plains, South Australia, Australia
Giesen 0% Riesling
New Zealand
Giesen 0% Rosé
New Zealand
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:
On Instagram, you can find me posting wine reviews and tips at:
Online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
Posted with permission of Global Calgary.
