The Ultimate Guide to Alcohol-Free Wine

The Ultimate Guide to Alcohol-Free Wine - Domaine de Brau
Published on 29.10.24

Alcohol-free wine is clearly on a roll, and it’s just getting started, with remarkable annual growth of over 25% since 2018, and this trend set to accelerate in 2024.

According to the SOWINE/Dynata barometer, 28% of French people say they are adept at low-alcohol or non-alcohol drinks, a significant figure that testifies to a change in drinking habits, particularly among the younger generations, 44% of whom aged 18-25 watch their alcohol consumption for health reasons.

This phenomenon extends beyond France’s borders, with demand also on the rise in the USA, Germany, the UK and Australia, where global demand for non-alcoholic wines is set to increase by 10% over the next few years, according to Fact.MR.

Alcohol-free wine is thus part of a wider movement towards alcohol “flexitarianism”, offering new opportunities to producers who invest in innovative dealcoholization techniques to preserve the organoleptic qualities of wine. In short, alcohol-free wine is establishing itself as a market segment in its own right, promising sustained growth in 2024 and beyond.

What exactly is alcohol-free wine?

In France, almost all wines can be dealcoholized. However, some Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and Appellations d’Origine Protégée (AOP) do not allow this. To qualify as a dealcoholized wine-based beverage, the final product must have an alcohol content of less than 0.5%. This rule ensures that the quality and authenticity of the wine are respected, while offering a non-alcoholic option to wine lovers.

The idea of dealcoholizing wine is not new. Popularized by Carl Jung in the early 20th century, there are several techniques that can be used today:

Vacuum evaporation of alcohol at the end of wine fermentation, separating the alcohol without altering the aromas, then recovering the alcohol for other uses. This is the method we use for its reliability, and the one that enables the most complete dealcoholization.
Vacuum evaporation during fermentation (under study),
Stripping: extraction of alcohol during fermentation using carbon dioxide (CO2) (under study, not yet authorized in the EU),
Nanofiltration or reverse osmosis coupled with passage over a membrane contactor: This technique requires the water equivalent of 10 to 15% of the volume of wine treated per degree of wine removed. It generates a mixture of water and alcohol (up to 10°) considered as cellar effluent.

Nanofiltration or reverse osmosis coupled with distillation: This method generates a mixture containing up to 95% vol. alc. that can be used as an agricultural distillate.

See also our article on the 6 most common misconceptions about alcohol-free wine.
Good for your health, but what about taste and price?

Alcohol-free wine is an excellent option for those who want to stay healthy while enjoying the taste of wine. With less alcohol and sugar, it’s lower in calories, making it a perfect choice for a balanced lifestyle. It also allows those who can’t or don’t want to drink alcohol – such as pregnant women, drivers or for health reasons – to enjoy a glass without worry.

Some non-alcoholic wines may seem less complex or sweeter than their alcoholic counterparts, which can disappoint even the most demanding connoisseurs. What’s more, these wines are often more expensive due to the techniques used, which are inevitably several steps more involved in production. And also because of the more limited production volumes.

That said, if you’re looking for a refreshing, fruity, low-sugar alcohol-free alternative, try Cypher, available in bottle and can ;).

The different types of non-alcoholic wines

There are several types of non-alcoholic wine, each offering distinct characteristics in terms of flavor and aroma:

Alcohol-free red wine is made from red grapes and is characterized by notes of red and black fruits such as cherries and blackberries. However, its dealcoholization is more delicate and can affect its taste profile.

Alcohol-free white wine, made from white grapes, generally presents aromas of white-fleshed fruits such as apple and pear, as well as citrus or floral notes. Its aromatic palette tends to be more preserved after dealcoholization.

Alcohol-free rosé is produced by blending red and white grapes, giving it red-fruit flavors such as strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by a hint of spice.

Finally, non-alcoholic sparkling wine is distinguished by its fine bubbles and fresh fruit aromas. It is particularly popular for celebrations and aperitifs, offering a festive alternative without the effects of alcohol.

Our tips for enjoying non-alcoholic wine like a pro

Want to get the most out of your alcohol-free wine? Here are a few simple and effective tips:

Open the bottle early, but not too early: Unlike classic wine, alcohol-free wine doesn’t need to “breathe” as much. Opening the bottle 5 to 10 minutes before serving is enough to release its aromas.
Serve chilled: Alcohol-free wine is generally best enjoyed at a lower temperature than its alcoholic counterpart. A white or rosé wine should be served between 8 and 10°C, a red around 12 to 14°C. For sparkling wines, serve well-chilled, between 6 and 8°C.
Don’t decant, pour straight out: Decanting, which is common for some wines, can oxidize alcohol-free wine, causing it to lose its brilliance. For optimal tasting, pour directly into the glass.
Use the right glass: Yes, the choice of glass counts too! A tulip-shaped glass or a standard wine glass will do the trick to concentrate the aromas and ensure a good tasting experience.
Take time to savor: As with any good wine, let your senses express themselves. Look at the color, smell the aromas, then take a sip to really capture the complexity of the flavors.

Where can you find these alcohol-free nuggets?

Good (or even very good) alcohol-free wines are not always easy to find in supermarkets, but you can find them in online cellars such as Sanzalc, Gueule de joie or V and B. They offer a wide selection of alcohol-free red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.

What’s more, these wines are often available from wine merchants near you. You can also contact us directly to find your nearest outlet. So why not explore these options and discover the freshness of alcohol-free wines?

Domaine de Brau
Domaine de Brau
Domaine de Brau
Domaine de Brau
Domaine de Brau
Domaine de Brau
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