Wines to try this Dry-ish January

In the ever-evolving landscape of wine and drinks, more than 1 in 3 UK adults are rewriting the script on their drinking habits. Whether they're committed to moderating their alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether, a seismic shift is reshaping the way we raise our glasses.

New year, new drinks?

Meet the 'moderators' – the 20% of UK consumers who've made a conscious decision to dial it down. They are no strangers to the allure of no & low drinks, with 58% having savoured one already and another 18% eager to sip their way into the trend. Not just a passing fad, 35% of these tastemakers plan to make no & low drinks a fixture in their consumption patterns.

And more than witnessing a trend; we would go as far as to say that we are witnessing a cultural shift. A whopping 51% of moderators agree that it's more socially acceptable than ever to opt for an alcohol-free beverage when out and about.

Why you should list no & low drinks

Drive incremental value. Customers are not merely settling for these alternatives in lieu of more potent drinks; rather, they willingly invest in these choices with a sense of contentment, the embodiment of a lifestyle and the experience.

Provide choice to appeal to your customers. The main reasons consumers drink no & low are to still feel sociable (31%) and because they are more interesting than a soft drink (31%).

Consumers expect to see no & low part of the offering. 49% of moderators expect to see no & low offerings on drinks menus. It’s not an option, it’s an expectation.

It’s a growing category. Dive into the stats, and you'll find that the growth trajectory of the no & low category is nothing short of impressive.

The best no, low, and naturally low abv wines

Whether your customers are embracing a Dry(-ish) January to balance out the indulgences of the festive season or are determined to stick to their health resolutions for 2024, we're here to champion the cause of no & low. Yet, given we are wine people, we couldn’t help but to also include some naturally low abv corkers.

While you’re pondering the possibilities, from 0 to 11.5%, these are the no, low, and naturally low abv wines to list this year.

 

Wild Idol Sparkling Rosé
Made entirely from the Muller-Thurgau variety, this Wild Idol rosé is a premium, alcohol-free sparkling. Working with exceptional vineyards, Wild Idol uses wine-making techniques and a superior blend of grapes to produce the finest aromatics and the purest flavour. Vegan, gluten-free, and with fewer calories than a glass of Champagne.

Spy Valley Easy Tiger Sauvignon Blanc

This bright, crisp, and lively wine is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: light bodied, with tropical fruit on the nose and the palate, grapefruit, and a zesty herbal edge.

Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc NV
Marlborough Sauvignon with a twist, same great flavour just without the alcohol. Grapefruit and tropical notes with layers of passionfruit on the palate. A touch of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc grape juice added in the final blending stage to deliver that crisp, juicy mouthfeel that is so often missing in non-alcoholic options. Serve chilled.

Natureo Syrah (0.0% ABV) Torres

Made with 100% Syrah grapes; once the wine is obtained, a part of this wine is aged in French oak for four to six months prior to dealcoholisation using the Spinning Cone technique. Shows lovely, lively hedgerow fruit on a well-balanced and juicy palate.

Conde Villar Vinho Verde Branco

This trendy Portuguese style boasts tropical aromas of pineapple and mango, with interesting floral notes. It has a soft minerality, is well-balanced, with a refreshing finish.

Sancerre Rouge Iconoclaste Domaine Fouassier 2022

A wine full of passion and youth, which gives the sensation of biting red fruits to the full. Wine buddies par excellence.

Weingut Nittnaus Kalk & Schiefer Blaufrankisch Organic

Intense ruby red, boasting delicate red fruit and spice on the nose, and topped by a savoury and lively palate with a long, elegant finish. A classic Blaufrankisch.

Norman Hardie Pinot Noir 2017
A classic example of cool climate Pinot Noir, this wine exudes bright red fruit, complex earthy aromas and a lightness on the palate. It is fresh, with a complexity of flavour. The hallmark of this wine is its long, pure finish.