StressedMum
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:
Table of Contents
ToggleThis 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.
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.
This Aphros Loureiro 2019
opens with perfumed floral garden notes that will make you go for another round.AMP 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.
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.
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.
These sound ideal if you want to socialize, but not feel left out
I know, I think they will be very popular over the summer
I do like low alcohol wines. Sometimes I like a glass of wine but don’t want a fuzzy head the next morning.
I am at that stage where I like a nice glass of wine but I know when to stop and not feel rough the next day
Such a great way to enjoy the night out and not worry about having a hang over with these delicious low alcohol wines. I have booked marked this as plan to get a few bottles for our party
It is a great way to enjoy a nice glass of wine, but not have the worry of the next days recovery
I think I would like Moscato d’Asti the most. I’m never a fan of wine to be honest but I love sweet tasting alcohols and I guess with a lower acidity and finishing on watermelon honey notes, I’ll probably like it more
I do love a glass of wine, but can not drink a lot of it, I am loving the sound of a few of these wines, and great for enjoyinng a glass or two without the alchol
These sound devine – so light and refreshing without the headache
They do, definitely want to try a few to see
I find low alcohol wines really nice and it means you can still wake up the next morning with children and not feel sluggish
I have tried some in the past, my friend got a low alcohol prosecco last year which was lovely
This will be very helpful. As I am gettign older, I am preferring lower alcohol drinks.