Best Low Alcohol Wines for 2022

Low alcohol wines have long been underrated as many people share the opinion that “ wine without alcohol is not wine”. It is true, however, that besides fizziness, alcohol also

“ adds sweetness to the aroma, ripeness to the fruit flavours and weight and oily mouthfeel” according to Dr John Forrest, an experienced New Zealand wine producer popular for making high-class lower alcohol wines. 

Wine doesn’t have to be high in alcohol to taste good. Just like wines with lower alcohol content are not less tasty or appealing than regular wines. In fact, they have more subtle flavour profiles and are more easily paired with a different fare. So with the lower ABV, they make the perfect choice for many occasions when you want to enjoy a glass of good wine without getting bombed. Moreover, wines with lower alcohol per cent are a better option for a hot summer day. When the hot sunlight and high alcohol are not such a good match.

The easiest way to find a wine with lower alcohol content is by checking the ABV on the label. The typical alcohol range in these wines varies from 6%-11% ABV. The most commonly used grape varieties for producing lower alcohol wines include:

Moscato: Sweet fruit notes with low alcohol content and medium-low acidity.

Riesling: Generously aromatic, refreshing with high acidity and 9%-11% ABV.

Vinho Verde (green wine): A wine region in Portugal popular for producing light and crisp wines with lower alcohol content.

Sparkling Wines: Sparkling wines such as Prosecco are lower in alcohol than other still wines, with AVG less than 12.5%.

Here is a list of seven exceptional wines with lower alcohol bet excellent taste and quality:

Moscato d’Asti

This Italian Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti 2021 with a 5% ABV has a seductive aroma of ripe peaches and apricots with a hint of orange zest. On the palate, the peach/apricot flavours transform into a delicious watermelon and honey finish, with a generous mousse finish. Rich body and soft, natural bubbles make this wine a perfect aperitif. Or a nice pairing with fruity desserts, spicy Asian dishes, fresh seafood or leafy veggies.

With only 4.5% ABV, La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato 2021  is a wonderful, aromatic sweet wine, with the enticing aroma of white flowers, soft sweetness and gentle bubbles. The texture is elegant and smooth, with delicious peach, pear and pineapple flavours. Rich complexity and refreshing acidity, excellent with fruit desserts or as an aperitif. 

Riesling

A bottle of the Schloss Gobelsburg Auslese Riesling 2017 ( 9% ABV) opens with an enticing fountain of white tropical fruit notes, elegant flower honey, and a touch of pineapple, passion fruit and stone fruit beneath. On the palate, it is bursting with juicy peach, grapefruit, citrus and apricot. Perfectly balanced with vibrant acidity, intense sweetness, and subtle citrus touch in the finish. Excellent dessert wine that pairs with apple or apricots tarts, or other fruit desserts. Also, it is a great match with seafood or spicy food, chicken and pork dish, or cured meat.

Appealing golden-amber colour and enticing notes of green apple, citrus and soft floral make this D’Arenberg Dry Dam Riesling 2020 (ABV 10%) anamazing deal for those who prefer fine low alcohol wines. Delicious freshness and light body are complemented with balanced sweet-tangy flavours of ripe pear, lime, grapefruit and tart sherbet. Great wine choice for an aperitif, or to serve with sushi, spicy Asian dishes, or fresh oysters.

Portuguese White Blends- Vinho Verde

This Aphros Loureiro 2019 

opens with perfumed floral garden notes that will make you go for another round. Deliciously crisp and refreshing, this white wine has 11% ABV perfectly balanced with a creamy structure and dry palate with medium acidity. A touch of soft minerality is elegantly crafted with orchard fruit flavours and green apples. Serve chilled, paired with vegetarian meals, sushi, shellfish or appetizers and snacks. Excellent aperitif. 

Low-Alcohol Red Wine

This young wine is spontaneously fermented on the skins in clay amphorae, aged for seven months on the lees, and bottled without being purified or filtered. The resulting product is Aphros Phaunus Amphora Palhete 2019  with 11% ABV, an exquisite and full-flavoured rose with enchanting aromas of rose petals, cranberries, pomegranate and Mediterranean herbs. Dry, medium-bodied with a refreshingly crisp finish, excellent as a special aperitif or paired with roasted chicken, salmon, or soft cheese.

Extra Dry Prosecco

Rizzardi Prosecco Extra Dry  (ABV 11%)is amazingly delicious bubbly with attractive beads of bubbles and enticing fruit freshness. The wonderful fragrance of lemon zest and green apples is embraced by a touch of honey, quince and pear. Soft sweetness on the palate is elegantly crafted with orchard fruit flavours and silky mousse texture. Light and refreshing, this Prosecco makes it an excellent aperitif or great companion to fresh salads, seafood and cured meat.