Alcohol-free wines, healthy and versatile
In recent years, alcohol-free wines have made their way into our shopping baskets and the cellars of bars and restaurants. Together with organic wines they have become a trend that has revolutionised wine consumption.
Whether low-alcohol content wines (the so-called low alcohol) or those that are 100% alcohol-free, these wines offer certain advantages with regard to traditional wines, and can, on certain occasions, substitute for wines containing alcohol.
Today’s consumers have become more aware of the environment and look for sustainable products that do not harm the environment. In addition, they are more concerned about their personal care and diet and look for products that do not harm their bodies.
ALCOHOL-FREE WINE IS NOT JUICE
One of the most common claims is to confuse alcohol-free wine with grape juice. The fact that it does not contain alcohol does not imply that it is grape juice, since the production processes for this type of wine are usually similar to those of wine with alcohol. An alcohol-free wine is based on a wine from which the alcohol is naturally extracted preserving all its nutritional values, sensory qualities, aromas and flavours.
In recent years, these wines, in their various categories (still, sparkling or, frizzante), have gained popularity due to their advantages: it is a healthy drink, that contains fewer calories, it is aromatic, with natural and fruity flavours and it is safe to drink without the risks associated with alcohol
Are alcohol-free wines considered wines? In fact, the result of eliminating the alcohol transforms it into an alcohol-free beverage that cannot be called wine (since, by definition, wine is a fermented drink made from grapes with an alcohol content of at least 8.5%). Its flavour isn’t that of wine either because it does not have the volume, body or structure of a conventional wine. The result is an alternative to wine that is all health benefits.
Viña Albali has a range of red and white alcohol-free wines, made with Tempranillo/Cabernet and Sauvignon blanc grapes, respectively. They are perfect when you want to enjoy the full flavour of wine without the alcohol, and they also include all the properties of conventional wine that are good for health as they contain polyphenols, anthocyanins and antioxidants.
Innovative technology gently eliminates most of the alcohol, without affecting the natural flavours. The alcohol is extracted from the wine using a non-aggressive, complex and sophisticated process to avoid the loss of characteristic aromatic compounds of the original wine and the variety from which it is made. The quality and sensory properties of the end product are not affected in the process, resulting in a wine-based beverage with <0.5% alcohol content, and high-quality, expressive, fresh and intense aromas.
Of particular note, compared to traditional wines, is the fact that this type of wine must be consumed cold, between 4o -9o degrees to bring out its most refreshing qualities.
It is increasingly common to see these types of beverages in supermarkets and restaurants, and they are a fantastic healthy option to enjoy on any occasion, with many more advantages and benefits than a simple soft drink. A trend on the rise among sportsmen/women, young people, and those who don’t drink alcohol for medical or religious reasons.
Care to try an alcohol-free wine?
