• By: Jane Staples

Cruising Into February With A Bellini In My Hand

The Dry January and Dryish January trend has really gained traction this year (yes, even amongst sommeliers), and at last, there are lots of options for those wishing to drink low alcohol and dealcoholized wines. Maybe you’ve done a Dry January, or maybe there are health reasons not to drink, or perhaps it’s simply a personal choice. These lighter wines are great to serve at brunch or for the designated driver, and a gracious host will have a couple of these on hand to give guests lots of choices. Lighter wines are usually defined as those with 9 percent or less alcohol by volume (ABV).

The majority of wines have an alcohol level of between 12-14 percent, so that is a significant difference. Dealcoholized wines have gone through chemical and industrial processes such as reverse osmosis and distillation. For labelling purposes, the FDA requires that a non-alcoholic wine must contain less than 0.5 percent ABV and this information must be included on the bottle by the producer, even though the label may call it an alcohol-free wine. I decided to try several of these wines, and I’m happy to share my recommendations with you.


Romeo Peach Bellini – Peter Herres Wein
Germany

This is an absolutely delightful Italian cocktail, which was created at Harry’s Bar in Venice in the fifties. It’s made using Prosecco and peach purée. The gorgeous bright peach colour and graceful bottle add to its sensuous appeal. It shows fragrances of ripe peaches and white florals, which continue on the delicious fruity, pulpy palate. This frizzante (lightly sparkling) wine is the perfect choice for light appetizers, samosas or for breakfast in bed. Romeo Peach Bellini was tested by the German Agricultural Society and was awarded a gold medal for extraordinary product quality. I will definitely buy this again and recommend it highly as a gift wine or to kick off a romantic occasion.

Sweet Frizzante • 5.9 percent • LCBO# 485086 • $11.50 


Not Guilty Dealcoholized Pinot Grigio
South Australia, Australia

This Pinot Grigio was a great discovery in the dealcoholized category. Coming in at just .05 percent alcohol, it shows fragrances of citrus, pear and florals. The fresh, well-balanced palate gives green apple and citrus flavours. It makes an excellent pairing for sushi and salads. Vegan friendly. You’ll love the label, too!

Dry • .05 percent • LCBO# 38986 • $9.70 


On Point. Crisp White – Arterra Wines
Canada

This shows aromas of white grapefruit zest and mild passion fruit, repeated on a crisp palate. It was a bit disappointing, as it was rather watery and lacked body and finish. Pair it with salads.

Dry • 9 percent • LCBO# 21524 • $11.50


Roscato Rosso Dolce
Lombardy, Italy

Attractive ripe cherry aromas greet your nose and the palate is fresh and light, with ripe berry and cherry flavours. Pair this lightly sparkling red wine with hot wings, bruschetta or Black Forest Cake. Another happy discovery that I will buy again.

Semi-sweet • Frizzante • 7 percent • LCBO# 49325 • $13.25 


Nozeco Sparkling Dealcoholized Wine
France

Yes, even the French are drinking dealcoholized wine! This dealcoholized sparkler has the fragrance and flavour of the lovely muscat grape, with an abundant mousse, too. It will work well as an aperitif or in mocktails and cocktails. Enjoy it paired with a bowl of fresh strawberries for a summery dessert.

Sparkling • .01 percent • LCBO# 28152 • Vegan • $11.45 

In addition to all of these options being low or no alcohol, they have moderate prices, too. Tasting these #lowandno wines was a fun project and I’m very glad I became acquainted with them. They are well worth trying!


For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com

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