I would have never believed it but no alcohol and low alcohol (no/lo) wines are growing in popularity. At the same time, U.S. adults drinking less alcohol in general, including less wine. Notably, all this is happening in the context of renewed debate over the health effects of alcohol. These no and reduced alcohol (generally under 11% abv) offerings represent this category well.
From New Zealand, Giesen, is a leading producer of no-alcohol wines, with its Giesen 0% portfolio of seven wines ($17): refreshing Sparkling Brut, creamy Chardonnay, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, along with Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Rosé, Premium Red. With about 25 calories per 5-ounce glass and 6 grams of natural sugar (none added). I was most impressed with the Spritz Sauvignon Blanc ($15) and Spritz Rosé (sauvignon blanc, riesling, syrah), where a small amount of added sugar balances the brisk acidity of the juice.
Kendall-Jackson, one of the most successful California wineries, also has joined the game with its Low Calorie line (2023, $17), including a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc, tropical Chardonnay, and bright Rosé. With only 9% alcohol, 85 calories, no sugar, and 3 grams of carbs per serving, these wines are quite satisfying.
The wine industry in Argentina has built a reputation as a leader in sustainability and now has adopted the no/lo approach. I liked two wines from organic wine champion Domaine Bousquet. The 2023 LO CA wines ($14), a delightful Chardonnay (9% alcohol, 75 calories) and juicy Malbec (9.5% ABV, 79 calories), also are low-sugar, vegan, gluten-free, USDA-certified organic, Regenerative Organic Certified™, and Ecocert-approved. Whew.
Argentina’s Trivento also is committed to sustainability, in addition to being a B-Corp-certified winery. Their unique 2024 Reserve White Malbec ($12, 11% abv), notable for its crystal clear color, evokes juicy apple, orange and apricot.
Château La Coste, a winery founded in Provence in 1682, has taken non-alcoholic wine into the luxury category. The winery just launched Nooh by La Coste, an organic non-alcoholic sparkling and still wine collection. The Still Rosé ($29) offers refreshing grapefruit, peach, red fruits, balanced with crisp acidity. The Sparkling Rosé ($43) shows refreshing, tangy grapefruit, peach, red berries. Each is a blend of grenache, syrah, cabernet, and cinsault, just 25 calories per 5-ounce glass. Also, available in Sparkling White and Still White.