Best Non-Alcoholic Wine
Non-alcoholic wine is real wine. It is made using the same grapes, fermentation, and winemaking processes, but with the alcohol removed.
It’s not grape juice, which is unfermented and lacks the complexity, tannins, and acidity that define wine.
Non-alcoholic wine starts as traditional wine and is then carefully de-alcoholized to retain the body, aroma, and character of its alcoholic counterpart. Advances in production methods now allow for full-flavoured non-alcoholic wines that hold their own at any table.
Vacuum Distillation
One of the most common methods to remove alcohol is vacuum distillation. This technique gently heats the wine under reduced pressure, allowing alcohol to evaporate at a lower temperature around 30°C, so the volatile aromatics and flavour compounds are preserved.
Spinning Cone Column
The spinning cone column is a high-tech method used by premium producers. It separates wine into layers of flavour, aroma, and alcohol. The flavours and aromas are preserved while alcohol is removed, then everything but the alcohol is recombined.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis involves passing wine through a membrane to filter out alcohol and water. The remaining flavour concentrate is then blended with water to reconstruct the wine, minus the alcohol. This method is slower and more costly, but it preserves nuanced characteristics.
Why Canada Is Becoming a Non-Alcoholic Wine Leader
Canada’s wine regions are known for innovation, and the non-alcoholic wine market is no exception. Canadian producers are applying serious winemaking knowledge to the alcohol-free space, focusing on quality ingredients, precise technology, and sustainable practices. The results are non-alcoholic wines that don’t taste like an afterthought, which could still be used for cooking and dinner parties alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is non-alcoholic wine, and how is it different from regular grape juice?
Non-alcoholic wine starts as traditional wine, made from fermented grapes using standard winemaking techniques. After fermentation, the alcohol is removed through processes like vacuum distillation, spinning cone column, or reverse osmosis. These methods retain the wine’s aroma, flavour, and structure – unlike grape juice, which skips fermentation and lacks complexity.
Does non-alcoholic wine contain any alcohol at all?
Yes, but in trace amounts. Legally, non-alcoholic wine must contain less than 0.5% ABV.
Does non-alcoholic wine actually taste like wine?
Yes, if it’s made well. Good non-alcoholic wine retains acidity, mouthfeel, and varietal character. Cheaper options may taste flat or overly sweet, but premium brands using modern de-alcoholization techniques offer a much closer wine experience.
How should I serve non-alcoholic wine?
Serve it just like regular wine:
- Whites and rosés: Chilled (7-10°C)
- Reds: Slightly below room temp (12-15°C)
- Sparkling: Very cold (5-7°C)
Use standard wine glasses, as aeration can still help bloom the notes and flavours in non-alcoholic wine.
How long does non-alcoholic wine last after opening?
Once opened, store non-alcoholic wine in the fridge with a wine stopper. It generally lasts 3-5 days. Always check the bottle – if it smells sour or tastes off, it’s time to discard.