This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.
As many of us are getting the message about drinking sensibly, low-alcohol wines and drinks and indeed non-alcoholic beverages are gaining popularity.
"We're seeing lots of innovation in this area to
reflect the growing trend of the sophisticated soft drink, as more and more customers are becoming
increasingly health conscious and looking for ways to cut down their alcohol
intake and experiment with new flavours," says Victoria Mason, Waitrose
buyer.
When the company launched Waitrose Blueprint Wines
– the redesigned mid-tier range of own label wines – it included six
half-bottles. So when you fancy a favourite such as a glass of pinot grigio or
Argentinian malbec or New Zealand sauvignon blanc you do not have to worry
about being tempted to go through the bottle.
The company has recently introduced its first its zero
alcohol sparkling wine, Eisberg Sparkling White (£3.99), and a zero alcohol
riesling, Eins Zwei Zero, from Leitz (£6.99).
If you are concerned about consuming wines with too much
alcohol choose those with lower alcohol content. A 175ml glass of a wine
containing 9 per cent alcohol is about 1.7 units and 11 per cent alcohol is 1.9
units. While a 175ml wine containing 13 per cent alcohol is 2.3 units and a 14
per cent wine will add up to 2.5 units.
The UK Chief Medical Officers’ advice is not to drink more
than 14 units a week on a regular basis. It is also recommended that men should
not consume more than four units per day and women no more than three.
Here are some of my favourite winter warmers.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Mosel Riesling Kabinett by
Selbach-Oster, 2015 (ABV 9.5 per cent) £10.25, Berry Bros. & Rudd (bbr.com)
It may be low in alcohol but it does not comprise on flavour. This zesty wine is bursting with citrusy tangs and a hint of earthiness. Not too sweet, this is a lovely riesling that goes down a treat.
It may be low in alcohol but it does not comprise on flavour. This zesty wine is bursting with citrusy tangs and a hint of earthiness. Not too sweet, this is a lovely riesling that goes down a treat.
Flysch Txakolina, Gorosti Bodega, Getariako Txakolina,
2016 (ABV 11 per cent), £14.50, Berry Bros. & Rudd (bbr.com)
A delicious easy-drinking white wine from Spain’s Basque Country. Made from 100 per cent Hondarribi Zuri, it is brimming with notes of citrus laced with elderflower. Works well with fish but you can add some ice to turn it into a long drink at a party.
A delicious easy-drinking white wine from Spain’s Basque Country. Made from 100 per cent Hondarribi Zuri, it is brimming with notes of citrus laced with elderflower. Works well with fish but you can add some ice to turn it into a long drink at a party.
Brightwell Vineyard Bacchus 2014 Oxfordshire, (ABV 12 per
cent) £9.99, Waitrose
From the Thames Valley hails this scrumptious wine. Named after the Roman god of wine, this is England’s answer to sauvignon blanc. This apple-soaked wine with nuances of citrus is smooth on the palate. Light and refreshing, this is works well with chicken and turkey. A pretty impressive English wine.
From the Thames Valley hails this scrumptious wine. Named after the Roman god of wine, this is England’s answer to sauvignon blanc. This apple-soaked wine with nuances of citrus is smooth on the palate. Light and refreshing, this is works well with chicken and turkey. A pretty impressive English wine.
Camel Valley Bacchus 2015 Cornwall (ABV 12.5 per cent)
£14.99, Waitrose
An engaging crisp, dry white wine from one of the UK’s most prestigious wine makers. This aromatic treat of tropical fruits is definitely worth cracking open.
An engaging crisp, dry white wine from one of the UK’s most prestigious wine makers. This aromatic treat of tropical fruits is definitely worth cracking open.
Mission Saint Vincent Bordeaux Rouge, (ABV 13%), £10.99, ocado.com
A melange of merlot, cabernet Sauvignon, cabernet franc, a glass of this wine from Bordeaux will warm you up on a cold winter’s night. Flavours of blackcurrants and red berries laced with vanilla spice tantalise your taste buds. Delicious.
A melange of merlot, cabernet Sauvignon, cabernet franc, a glass of this wine from Bordeaux will warm you up on a cold winter’s night. Flavours of blackcurrants and red berries laced with vanilla spice tantalise your taste buds. Delicious.
Les Gravieres de Marsac Margaux, (ABV 13%) £25.20, ocado.com
Packed with aromas of blackberries and blueberries with a hint of freshness, it boasts elegance and class. A perfect treat to linger over.
Packed with aromas of blackberries and blueberries with a hint of freshness, it boasts elegance and class. A perfect treat to linger over.
Seedlip Spice 94, £27.99, ocado.com
If you like a gin and tonic you may want to give this non-alcoholic concoction of aromatic blend barks, spices and citrus peels a whirl. Made using traditional methods and botanicals documented in The Art of Distillation, published in London in 1651, this is a grown-up drink which, although does not have the kick of a G&T, it makes you look and feel as if you are drinking when you are not. Mix with tonic.
If you like a gin and tonic you may want to give this non-alcoholic concoction of aromatic blend barks, spices and citrus peels a whirl. Made using traditional methods and botanicals documented in The Art of Distillation, published in London in 1651, this is a grown-up drink which, although does not have the kick of a G&T, it makes you look and feel as if you are drinking when you are not. Mix with tonic.
By Daralyn Danns
