Yes, there are alcohol-free wines that are designed to closely resemble the taste of regular wine. These wines are made by removing the alcohol from regular wine using various methods such as reverse osmosis, vacuum distillation, or spinning cone columns. The taste of these wines can vary depending on the specific brand and method used to remove the alcohol, but many people find them to be a good alternative to regular wine. Some popular brands of alcohol-free wine include Fre, Ariel, Eisberg and St. Regis among others. Some of these brands have won awards for their taste and quality. It’s worth trying out a few different brands to find one that you like the taste of.
How is alcohol-free wine made?
There are several methods used to make alcohol-free wine, some of the most common include:
- Reverse osmosis: This method uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate the alcohol from the wine. The wine is passed through the membrane, which allows the water and other components to pass through while trapping the alcohol.
- Vacuum distillation: This method uses a vacuum to lower the boiling point of the alcohol, making it easier to separate from the wine. The wine is heated in a vacuum chamber, which causes the alcohol to vaporize at a lower temperature than it would at normal atmospheric pressure. The alcohol vapor is then condensed and collected, leaving the majority of the wine’s other components behind.
- Spinning cone columns: This method uses a spinning cone-shaped column that separates the alcohol from the wine using centrifugal force. The wine is poured into the top of the column, where it is spun at high speeds. The alcohol, being lighter, moves to the outside of the column while the other components of the wine move towards the center.
- Cold filtration: This method uses a filter to remove the alcohol from the wine. The wine is chilled to a low temperature, and then passed through a filter that separates the alcohol from the other components of the wine.
- De-alcoholization by heating: This method uses heat to remove the alcohol from the wine. The wine is heated to a high temperature which causes the alcohol to evaporate, which is then collected and condensed.
All these methods are used to remove alcohol from wine, which results in a product that still has the flavor and aroma of wine, but without the alcohol content. The taste of alcohol-free wine can vary depending on the method used, but many people find them to be a good alternative to regular wine.
What do the experts say about alcohol-free wine?
Wine reviews for alcohol-free wine can vary, as taste is a subjective matter. However, generally speaking, most wine reviewers tend to agree that alcohol-free wines lack the complexity and depth of regular wines.
Some reviewers find that the flavor and aroma of alcohol-free wines are not as pronounced as regular wines, and that they can have a watery or flat taste. Others found that alcohol-free wines can have a chemical taste or smell due to the methods used to remove the alcohol.
However, there are also some positive reviews for alcohol-free wines, some reviewers found that these wines still have a good flavor and aroma, and that they can be a good alternative for those who want to enjoy the taste of wine without the effects of alcohol.
It’s worth noting that as with any product, alcohol-free wine quality can vary greatly depending on the brand and the grape used. Some alcohol-free wine brands have won awards for their taste and quality. It’s always a good idea to try different brands and find one that you like the taste of.
Take the alcohol-free wine challenge
In society more and more people are choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle. Or at least taking breaks from alcohol. Of course there are many people who don’t drink for religious or health reasons. In the workplace this can often misunderstood. Why not try a non-alcoholic wine tasting with you employees to promote alcohol-free alternatives Or maybe you are sober curious and you want to identify the differences between alcoholic wines and alcohol-free wines.