The UK has witnessed a large and important cultural shift in its attitude to alcohol and drinking. What was once such an important part of social lives and landmark life events is quietly and steadily being replaced with a more mindful and healthy approach that an emerging no & low-alcohol drinks market is responding to.
The statistics certainly appear to support this idea too. Sales are skyrocketing with a market that has doubled since 2020 and almost 70% of adult drink consumers saying they have purchased non-alcoholic or low-alcohol products in the last year. This growing adoption is chiefly driven by a new generation of young people who are prioritising moderation as part of a more active lifestyle.
However, it is also clear that the standards of the products are getting much better, in comparison to their alcoholic cousins, with every passing year. Non-alcoholic beers have enjoyed this trajectory for quite a while now and it is fair to say that non-alcoholic wines are beginning to catch up too. The methodology and processes of de-alcoholisation now used have meant that even the most sophisticated palates are finding bottles that they can rely on and enjoy. This is particularly the case for non-alcoholic sparkling wines that are causing quite a fizz in the drink world.
Here is a collection of the best among them to try.
Bolle
Sparkling Blanc de Blanc
Bolle is firmly establishing itself as an alcohol-free wine producer to trust. They are part of a new wave that takes the process of de-alcoholisation very seriously to deliver on excellent wine structure and authentic mouthfeel.
This Blanc de Blanc style has a wonderful emphasis on fresh and balanced acidity that keeps an over-sweetness at bay. Altogether, for those who are used to traditional alcoholic sparkling wines, this is a very close approximation to the taste.
Zeronimo
Sparkling Select
Zeronimo is an Austrian brand that works with a key philosophy to minimise manipulation and avoid excessive sweetness for quality non-alcoholic wine production.
Sparkling Select is a rather restrained wine that is created as a delicate option over the sweeter bottles in the alcohol free space. It works particularly well as an aperitif for those drinkers curious about how sparkling non-alcoholic wine works. This is an interesting bottle to have as part of a wine-led evening that offers a mix of alcohol and alcohol free choices.
Oddbird
Blanc de Blanc
The Swedish brand Oddbird is regularly noted as one of the pioneers of dealcoholised wines. Its credibility in this regard makes it a reliable choice when looking for meal pairings and occasions.
Their Blanc de Blanc is a safe wine coupling where any sparkling wine would be required. It is consistently energetic with a balance that makes it versatile and easy-drinking. While it may not be the premium bottle to bring out for special occasions, it does offer a non-alcoholic option for the everyday, which makes it a useful cellar staple.
Eins-Zwei-Zero
Sparkling Riesling
The connection between Eins-Zwei-Zero and the German Riesling producer Weingut Leitz adds serious weight to their product range. It is a key symbol to assert the fact that these are bottles coming from a genuine wine culture.
The Sparkling Riesling is fresher than most of the alcohol free competition in the market. This is a food-friendly drop that positions itself as a casual glass for those early evenings without too much fuss or ceremony.
Mionetto
De-alcoholised Prosecco
Mionetto is a globally recognised producer of Prosecco that has clearly seen how important the alcohol-free category will be for the future of the wine market.
The existing brand recognition has clearly helped this get some considerable attention. However, its bright and fruit-centred composition with notes of apple and peach do present an interesting flavour profile that backs up its established label status.
Noughty
Sparkling Chardonnay
Noughty has earned a strong reputation as a UK leader for alcohol-free wine. With impeccable organic and vegan credentials, it is a brand that sets a high benchmark for the wine producers of the future in this space.
The inescapable apple flavour of this wine is an element that has delighted critics. It adds to a wonderfully balanced, clean and dry finish that makes it a great introduction to non-alcoholic sparkling wines.
Harvey Nichols
Alcohol-Free Chardonnay
Harvey Nichols' own label range has been a well-curated and reliable product line for a very long time. They have positioned their Alcohol-Free Chardonnay as a polished alternative to traditional Champagne-style fizz for a younger generation.
It works very well for spritz-style mixes with some clean and fresh notes of passion fruit, guava and mango to add bite too. As a result, it may be a little too sweet for some, but it is definitely worthy of some credible attention.
Oddbird
Sparkling Rosé
Oddbird were quick to realise that a full suite of sparkling wines would be required to make a real impact in the non-alcoholic market. The Rosé in particular had been a difficult wine to master in the de-alcoholising process, as it already had very sweet tendencies and hallmarks as a category.
Fortunately, this combination of delicate red berry and strawberry is a beautifully restrained wine that benefits from a subtle floral lift with none of the syrupy aftertaste that can be all too common.
La Gioiosa
Prosecco
This classic and well-crafted alcohol-free Prosecco is produced in the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) zone of Northern Italy, which regulates methods and authenticity for the wine. As a result of this provenance, there is an established trust and guarantee that quality and processes have been prioritised in its creation.
It feels suitably light in an approachable way with lively bubbles and a dry finish. The fresh green apple and pear are aligned with subtle citrus and white blossom for a social and refreshing option that is perfect for light food and constant conversation.
Great strides have been made for non-alcoholic sparkling wines. Producers all over the world have taken notice of the extraordinary demand and created a thrilling new supply as a reaction. It feels very much as though the sparkle and fizz of this particular market will be continuing to develop for a very long time in some fantastic ways.
