Non-alcoholic wine & sparkling wine – trend or real alternative?

Non-alcoholic wine and sparkling wine are no longer a marginal phenomenon - more and more people are consciously turning to these alternatives. Whether at a cozy dinner, as a stylish accompaniment to special occasions or simply as a healthy choice in between - dealcoholized wines and sparkling wines are becoming increasingly popular. But why exactly?

The change in society towards a more conscious lifestyle plays a major role. Many people do not want to miss out on the taste of a good wine, but also do not want to accept the effects of alcohol. Whether for pregnant women, drivers, athletes or simply for anyone who wants to keep a clear head - alcohol-free versions offer enjoyment without compromise.

In this article, you'll learn what non-alcoholic wine and sparkling wine can really do, how they're made and whether they can keep up with their alcoholic counterparts in terms of taste. There are also recommendations for the best brands and tips on which type goes with which food. Let's dive into the world of non-alcoholic enjoyment together! 🍷🥂

What is non-alcoholic wine & sparkling wine?

Non-alcoholic wine and sparkling wine sound like classic drinks, just without alcohol - but it's not quite that simple. While normal wine is made by fermenting grapes and naturally produces alcohol, non-alcoholic wine is made from conventional wine from which the alcohol is subsequently removed.

How is non-alcoholic wine & sparkling wine made?

The alcohol content is reduced using special processes to preserve the original taste as much as possible. The most common methods are:

• Vacuum distillation : The alcohol evaporates at a low temperature, which preserves aromas as much as possible.
• Reverse osmosis : Here the alcohol is removed through a special filter system, while the aromas are later added back in.
• Spinning Cone Column : A modern technique in which the alcohol is gradually removed using a rotation process to preserve the flavor.

Alcohol-free vs. dealcoholized - what's the difference?

The terms "alcohol-free" and "dealcoholized" are often used synonymously, but do not mean the same thing:

• Non-alcoholic means that the drink may contain a maximum of 0.5% alcohol - an amount so small that it has little effect on the body.
• Dealcoholized simply means that the alcohol has been removed from the original wine. The drink may still contain small amounts of alcohol.

How does non-alcoholic wine differ from classic wine?

There are certainly differences in taste. Alcohol is an important flavor carrier that gives depth and body. Without it, some wines seem a little thinner or sweeter, as fruit and sugar notes are more prominent. It's similar with sparkling wine: while classic sparkling wine has a pleasant balance of freshness and complexity thanks to the carbon dioxide and alcohol, non-alcoholic sparkling wine can sometimes taste a little less full-bodied.

But don't worry - the quality of non-alcoholic alternatives has improved enormously in recent years! There are now high-quality options that come close to the original in terms of taste and offer real enjoyment.

How is non-alcoholic wine & sparkling wine made?

Non-alcoholic wine and sparkling wine are not simply created by omitting alcohol - they are first produced like conventional wines and sparkling wines and then dealcoholized using special processes. The aim is to remove the alcohol without losing taste and aromas.

The three most important dealcoholization methods

1️⃣ Vacuum distillation - The classic During vacuum distillation, the wine is heated in a vacuum, which causes the alcohol to evaporate at low temperatures (approx. 30°C). Since high temperatures could destroy the aromas, the process is carried out as gently as possible. However, the wine may lose some of its depth and complexity as a result.

2️⃣ Reverse osmosis - state-of-the-art filtration This involves pressing the wine through extremely fine membranes that filter out alcohol molecules. The previously extracted aromas are then added back in to preserve the flavor profile. This method is considered one of the highest quality because it preserves the flavor particularly well.

3️⃣ Spinning Cone Column - The high-tech variant This process uses a special centrifuge technique in which the wine is passed through rotating cones in several stages. The alcohol is gradually removed while the aromas are retained. Particularly high-quality non-alcoholic wines are often produced using this method, as it ensures a very natural taste reproduction.

Taste & Quality - Can non-alcoholic wine keep up?

Many people who try non-alcoholic wine for the first time immediately notice that something is missing. This is because alcohol is not only an intoxicant, but also plays an important role as a flavor carrier. It gives wine depth, body and complexity - and that is precisely the biggest challenge in producing non-alcoholic versions.

Taste Differences & Challenges

1️⃣ Lack of warmth & depth Alcohol creates a full-bodied mouthfeel and enhances aromas. This can be missing in non-alcoholic wine, which is why it is often perceived as thinner or more watery.

2️⃣ Changed balance of sweetness & acidity Alcohol balances out the sweetness of a wine. If it is removed, the wine can seem sweeter, even if there is no additional sugar. Non-alcoholic red wines in particular often have an unusual fruitiness.

3️⃣ Loss of fine aromas Dealcoholization often results in the loss of complex notes that provide the typical taste of wine. Many producers try to compensate for this by making aromatic adjustments - with varying degrees of success.

4️⃣ Sparkling wine - carbon dioxide to the rescue? Non-alcoholic sparkling wine has a small advantage: the carbon dioxide provides freshness and enlivens the taste. Nevertheless, the fine structure of a classic sparkling wine is often missing and the mouthfeel is not quite the same.

Are there really good non-alcoholic wines & sparkling wines?

Yes, but you have to look for high-quality brands. In recent years, some producers have realized that simply removing the alcohol is not enough - they are using sophisticated techniques to preserve the flavor.

Here are recommended non-alcoholic wines & sparkling wines from ZeroPercento that impress with their taste:

🔹 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling alcohol-free - A noble, sparkling wine with fine perlage and fresh citrus notes. Perfect for festive occasions or as a stylish alternative to champagne.

🔹 Creation Rouge - A strong, non-alcoholic red wine with deep fruit notes and a pleasant spiciness. Ideal for those who don't want to miss out on the taste of a full-bodied red wine.

🔹 35° Sauvignon Blanc - Dry, fresh white wine with crisp citrus aromas and lively acidity. A perfect accompaniment to light dishes or as a summer wine.

🔹 Rose Sparkling Wine - Fruity, elegant and finely sparkling - this non-alcoholic rosé sparkling wine impresses with a beautiful balance of berry aromas and freshness.

🔹 32° Riesling Apple Herbs - An exciting interpretation of non-alcoholic Riesling with a slightly spicy herbal note. Perfect for anyone who wants to try something special.

📌 These and other non-alcoholic wines & sparkling wines are available at zeropercento.ch - the first address for non-alcoholic enjoyment in Switzerland! 🍷🥂

Non-alcoholic sparkling wine - sparkling enjoyment without alcohol

Sparkling wine represents special occasions, celebrations and stylish enjoyment. But what if you want to avoid alcohol? Non-alcoholic sparkling wine offers an exciting alternative - without a hangover, but with plenty of fizz.

What makes non-alcoholic sparkling wine special?

Just like classic sparkling wine, non-alcoholic sparkling wine is made from wine and undergoes a second fermentation to create the carbon dioxide. The alcohol is then removed. The result: a refreshing, sparkling drink that retains the typical character of sparkling wine.

Many non-alcoholic sparkling wines are based on grape varieties with a pronounced freshness and fruitiness, such as Riesling or Chardonnay. These are particularly suitable because they have enough aroma and structure even after dealcoholization.

Differences to classic sparkling wine & champagne

1️⃣ Lack of alcohol structure - Alcohol adds depth and complexity - non-alcoholic sparkling wine can therefore appear a little lighter and more fruity.

2️⃣ Sweeter perception - Since alcohol balances out bitter substances, many non-alcoholic sparkling wines taste a little sweeter than their alcoholic counterparts.

3️⃣ Lighter bubbles - The carbonation of non-alcoholic sparkling wine is often a little gentler than that of traditional champagne, making it lighter and more approachable.

Despite these differences, there are now high-quality alternatives that come very close to classic sparkling wine in terms of taste.

Recommendations for non-alcoholic sparkling wine from ZeroPercento

🍾 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling alcohol-free - Elegant, fresh and finely sparkling wine with pleasant acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or for toasting.

🍾 Rose Sparkling Wine - Sparkling rosé alternative with fruity berry aromas and fine perlage - ideal for summer evenings and special occasions.

🍾 Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine - Classic non-alcoholic sparkling wine with fine freshness and a harmonious balance between fruit and acidity.

📌 These and other non-alcoholic sparkling wines are available at zeropercento.ch - for sparkling enjoyment without alcohol! 🥂

Food pairing: Which non-alcoholic wine goes with which food?

A good wine is only perfect when it accompanies the right food. Non-alcoholic wines can also enhance the taste experience of a dish - you just have to know which wine goes with which food. Here are some recommendations for the perfect food pairing with non-alcoholic wines and sparkling wine.

🍷 Red wine alternatives & matching dishes

Non-alcoholic red wine often has a fruitier note because it lacks alcohol as a flavor carrier. This is why it goes particularly well with dishes that also have strong spices or roasted aromas.

✅ Recommended non-alcoholic red wine: 👉 Creation Rouge - Full-bodied with deep fruit notes

🍽 Suitable dishes:

• Grilled or braised meat (e.g. roast beef, lamb)
• Pasta with strong sauces (tomato, mushrooms, truffle)
• Mature cheeses such as Cheddar or Manchego

🍇 White wine & rosé without alcohol: Perfect for light dishes

Non-alcoholic white and rosé wines usually retain a lovely freshness and pleasant acidity. They are ideal for lighter meals and summer dishes.

✅ Recommended non-alcoholic white & rosé wines: 👉 35° Sauvignon Blanc - Crisp and fresh with citrus notes👉 ROSE PUR Cuvée - Fruity and elegant

🍽 Suitable dishes:

• Fish & Seafood (salmon, shrimp, mussels)
• Summer salads with goat cheese or nuts
• Light meat such as chicken or veal

🥂 Non-alcoholic sparkling wine as an aperitif or dessert accompaniment

Sparkling wine is the perfect choice to start a meal in style - or to round it off with a light dessert. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine brings the necessary freshness and effervescence to balance out sweet or creamy dishes.

✅ Recommended non-alcoholic sparkling wines: 👉 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling non-alcoholic - Elegant and fresh👉 Rose Sparkling - Light berry aromas and pleasant perlage

🍽 Suitable dishes:

• Aperitif with antipasti, bruschetta or olives
• Light desserts such as fruit sorbet, lemon tart or strawberries with cream
• Mild soft cheese such as Brie or Camembert

Try it yourself and discover the best non-alcoholic wines & sparkling wines at ZeroPercento ! Here you will find an exclusive selection of high-quality alternatives that are perfect for every occasion.