What is The Best Non-Alcoholic Red Wine? How Do I Choose?
Life’s too short for bad wine.
In the relatively new and burgeoning market of non-alcoholic red wine, it pays to know what’s good. Non-alcoholic red wine poses a unique and difficult challenge to winemakers; they’re one of the most difficult alcohols to replicate. But with growing demand, they’ve come a long way in recent years.
As premium suppliers of non-alcoholic beverages, Shift Lanes has done our fair share of market research. We’ve had the pleasure of sampling countless non-alcoholic drinks to be able to provide expert knowledge and an impeccable range. Below you’ll find some information about non-alcoholic red wine and a list of our absolute favourites.
How is Non-Alcoholic Red Wine Made?
Non-alcoholic red wine can be made by either replicating the flavour of wine with a composite of ingredients (grape juice, vinegar, tea, herbs, spices etc.) or by dealcoholising full-proof red wine. Many non-alcoholic winemakers craft wine by macerating produce in alcohol to extract the flavour, before then removing the alcohol. This mimics the flavour produced by the fermentation process in traditional red wine. Alcohol can then be removed through reverse osmosis, spinning cone or vacuum distillation methods.
The method used will inherently affect the taste and aroma of the wine. The dealcoholisation method produces a drink more comparable to traditional red wine, while the composite method offers a more unique take on the classic. While non-alcoholic red wine may never taste exactly like its alcoholic counterpart (since removing the alcohol will naturally also remove some flavour, body and depth), they've come a long way in recent years.
Just as you would with traditional red wine, non-alcoholic red wine can be enhanced by letting it breathe or paired with a good meal.
The Benefits of Drinking Non-Alcoholic Red Wine
Enjoy the taste and spirit of alcohol, without the negative side effects. By opting for a non-alcoholic drink, you get the benefit of:
- Driving yourself and others home at your leisure.
- No nasty hangover (or hangxiety) to face the next day.
- Enjoying them throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- Reducing the risk of alcohol-related health problems.
- Spacing out your alcoholic drinks with something other than water or soft drinks.
Additionally, non-alcoholic red wine contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in traditional red wine, without the harmful effects of alcohol.
The Best Non-Alcoholic Red Wine
At Shift Lanes, we’ve cultivated a first-class selection of non-alcoholic red wines. For a fine non-alcoholic red with a unique taste and aroma, check out our favourites below:
A newer release which features notes of blackberry, dark cherry, and hints of spice. Surprisingly smooth and weighted, yet not sweet, unlike many non-alcoholic red wines. It’s also low calorie, low sugar and vegan friendly, so it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the taste of a classic Australian Shiraz without the alcohol and sugar.
This New Zealand merlot offers instant warmth with its oaky profile and fruity aroma. Containing dark fruits blackberry and plum for a light sweetness, this is a great non-alcoholic red wine for those looking for a flavourful and balanced alternative to traditional merlot. This one’s also a low-calorie and low-sugar option.
Tread Softly Everything Except Pinot Noir
This non-alcoholic red wine is exquisitely robust and full-bodied with good structure. Handcrafted with high-quality produce from South Australian vineyards, the result is earthy, vibrant and delectable. One for those who appreciate a full-flavoured wine with a smooth and delicate mouthfeel.
Enjoy the taste and benefits of red wine, without the negative effects of alcohol. Switching to a non-alcoholic red wine has never been easier with so many great options available. Shift Lanes offer a premium selection of non-alcoholic drinks and delivery Australia-wide. If you do try something from our list above, be sure to tell us what you think in the comments. You might just find your new favourite drink!
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