Wine has long been a cornerstone of social gatherings and culinary experiences. However, in recent years, consumer preferences have begun to shift. Alongside the focus on health and wellness, a growing interest in lighter-bodied, lower alcohol wines has emerged. This trend transcends demographics, attracting both casual and discerning drinkers alike.
Lower alcohol wines typically fall within the range of 5.5% to 9.5% ABV, compared to the more traditional 12.5% to 14.5% found in many popular varieties. This shift offers several potential benefits. For some, it allows for a more mindful drinking experience, enabling them to enjoy the flavors and social aspects of wine without the stronger effects of alcohol. Additionally, lower alcohol wines often translate to fewer calories, appealing to those seeking a more health-conscious approach to wine consumption.
The rise of lower alcohol wines has spurred innovation within the winemaking industry. Producers are exploring new techniques, from harvesting grapes at cooler temperatures to utilizing specialized fermentation methods, to achieve the desired alcohol levels while preserving the unique characteristics of each varietal. This ongoing development is leading to a wider selection of lower alcohol wines across various styles, from dry whites to light-bodied reds.
Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious about this growing category, here is a roundup of lower ABV wines to consider sipping soon.
Ceretto Santo Stefano Moscato D'Asti 2022
This Moscato d'Asti opens with lively aromas of yellow peach, apricot and white flowers. Delicate bubbles dance on the palate, enhancing the subtle flavors found on the nose. Both fragrant and inviting, the wine offers a pleasing balance between sweetness and acidity. With a low alcohol content of 5% ABV, this Moscato d'Asti is best served chilled. Enjoy it as an aperitif before a meal or as a dessert wine.
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Inniskillin Gold Vidal Ice Wine 2019
Inniskillin uses Vidal grapes, a cold-hardy hybrid known for its thick skin that allows for late-harvesting. This natural acidity balances the sweetness of the wine, resulting in luscious tropical aromas and flavors of mango and lychee. Apricot and citrus notes mingle with hints of clove and vanilla, creating a profile characteristic of Niagara Peninsula ice wine.
Beyond the traditional pairings of crème brûlée and crème caramel, this versatile ice wine complements a variety of desserts. Tropical fruit compotes, roasted peaches or pineapple with panna cotta are all excellent choices. For a savory option, the Gold Vidal pairs well with cheeses ranging from fresh chèvre to parmesan, drizzled with honey. It can even hold its own against a brown butter lobster salad with baby arugula and hazelnuts.
Osmosis Rosé 2023
Crafted from sustainably farmed grapes at the winery’s estate vineyard in Alto Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina, Osmosis Rosé benefits from its unique location. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes at 3,440 feet above sea level, the warm days nurture the grapes' full flavor, while the high altitude imparts a nice acidity. Winemakers meticulously blend three grape varietals (syrah, merlot and bonarda) and harvest at different times to create a delicious rosé with balanced acidity and full flavor, even at a lower alcohol level. This elegant rosé boasts a beautiful clear salmon color with a pink hue, along with delicate aromas of rose and minerals, complemented by refreshing flavors of red ripe fruit and strawberry. And to top things off, this 9% ABV rosé is 85 calories per 5-ounce serving and naturally dry with zero sugar.
Mionetto Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Wine
For those looking for bubbles without any alcohol at all, there are more options than ever beyond sparkling apple cider for kids. Mionetto, one of the world’s most recognizable Prosecco makers with its bright orange and yellow labels, added a brand new option to the bubbles portfolio last year: an alcohol-removed sparkling wine.
Mionetto Alcohol-Removed offers a less than 0.05% ABV as a result of expertly extracting the alcohol content from a finished wine to ensure the aromas and flavor profile remain. Certified vegan and gluten free, Mionetto Alcohol-Removed is also a low-calorie option at 75 calories per bottle.
This sparkling wine from Italy is crafted with mostly Glera grapes and other native Italian varieties using traditional methods. Though the alcohol is removed to create a refreshingly light drink, it maintains a delightful aroma of citrus and apple. Enjoy it throughout the meal, as an aperitif, in co*cktails or on its own.
Sunny With A Chance Of Flowers Pinot Noir 2021
Low ABV wines are more common among white or rosé wines. Typically, red wines aim for higher alcohol content to balance tannins, while white and rosé styles prioritize freshness and acidity, often achieved with lower sugar levels that translate to lower alcohol in the final product. But for Sunny With a Chance of Flowers, a certified sustainable and vegan winery in central California, the winemakers are striving to make low ABV (and low calorie, no sugar) wines available to everyone. This 2021 Pinot Noir from Monterey is a lighter-bodied red wine clocking in at just 9% alcohol. It offers a refreshing taste profile with notes of black cherry and pomegranate, accented by hints of toasted oak.
Ventessa Pinot Grigio Rosé
Pinot Grigio grapes flourish in Trentino, a wine-growing region in the Italian Dolomites. This unique alpine environment shapes Pinot Grigio's character, thanks to the diverse growing conditions across vineyards. Take Ventessa Pinot Grigio Rosé, for instance, from the Vigneti delle Dolomiti wine region. This wine boasts a fresh and elegant aroma profile, bursting with red fruits and citrus like pink grapefruit, along with hints of delicate flowers. On the palate, it's crisp and refreshingly salty, balanced by lively acidity. This makes it for a refreshing aperitif or an ideal companion for Mediterranean cuisine. Another perfect choice for those looking to drink more mindfully, this wine contains only 90 calories and 9% alcohol.
Vereinigte Hospitien Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2021
This wine is a German Riesling classified as a Kabinett. Kabinett wines are known for being lighter-bodied and sweeter than other Riesling classifications. The grapes come from the Scharzhofberger vineyard in the Mosel Valley, a region renowned for producing elegant and mineral-driven Rieslings. This is a particularly refreshing Riesling with a lighter ABV of 8.5%. Expect flavors of citrus, quince and other stone fruits, plus hints of honey with acidity that complements the sweetness, making it a great choice for an aperitif or to pair with lighter fare like salads or seafood.
Vietti Moscato D’Asti DOCG 2023
Crafted with meticulous attention by Vietti, one of Piedmont's most renowned estates, this Moscato d'Asti is a delightful sparkler with only 5% ABV. Made from old vine Moscato Bianco grapes grown in the Castiglione Tinella vineyards, the wine undergoes a single fermentation in closed tanks. This method results in a wine with a gentle spritz and lower alcohol content compared to other sparklings. The natural sweetness of the Moscato grapes is balanced by refreshing lemon acidity, creating a light and enjoyable drinking experience.
