Will The World Ever Accept Non-Alcoholic Wine?
Major companies worldwide are reporting an increase in the sales of non-alcoholic wines. Alcohol is one of the most common drinks, and it also happens to be a staple at social parties.
However, the ground seems to be shifting in favor of non-alcoholic wines. But is that the case everywhere? And how likely is the world to completely shift from alcohol and choose a healthier alternative? Let's find out through this article.
Why are non-alcoholic wines becoming more popular?
It is more about socializing and having fun than getting drunk for most people. There are 28.3% alcohol abstainers in the US itself, according to a study conducted in 2016. The study also states that many of the people who quit drinking have been heavy drinkers in the past.
Another study of 11 major OECD countries concluded that 36% of the participants admitted that they had increased the consumption of alcohol during the pandemic.
The research behind non-alcoholic wines
However, a better way is to promote wine with zero alcoholic content. The IWSR's Drink Market Analysis of 2022 has found that the market value of NoLo or no or low alcoholic drinks has risen from US$7.8 billion in 2018 to $10 billion in 2021.
The report further forecasts that the growth of this market will be 8% CAGR between 2021 and 2025. This is in comparison to the market growth of regular alcohol, which will only grow by 0.7% during that same period.
Emily Neill, the COO of IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, said, "January has become a popular month for people to cut back or abstain from alcohol. But, interest in no- and low-alcohol drinks has increasingly become a year-round trend among consumers across the world."
To meet this demand for NoLo drinks, beverage companies are rethinking their market strategy. With the change in the market, many such companies are investing heavily to introduce new products to impress their customers. So, as we look around, more NoLo varieties of beers, wines, whiskeys, and rums are being made available in the market.
Behind this new movement toward non-alcoholic wines, personal health plays a major determiner. In more developed markets, there is more emphasis on function and well-being. As a result, people are paying more attention to companies with a more diverse portfolio of wines.
This approach of the population has led to a movement toward more Premium products. Consumers are looking for products of better and higher quality, even if that entails consuming fewer no-alcohol wines.
The arrival of dynamic new products
For wines, alcohol plays a major part in their sensory attributes. It is an integral element, and eradicating it from wine's ingredients alters how it smells and tastes. So, creating non-alcoholic wines is a challenge because if they don't taste like wines, they won't appeal to consumers.
As no-alcohol wines become increasingly popular, the category has given rise to flourishing new product launches. A research project at the Australian Wine Research Institute funded by Wine Australia seeks to find the desirable sensory characteristics of existing no or low alcohol wines in the market.
This study is conducted to develop wine-like beverages to satisfy consumers' palates and meet their demands. It is also evaluating the methods of removing alcohol from wines. However, the arrival of dynamic new players in the non-alcoholic wine market has changed how they are presented to consumers.
What are the best non-alcoholic wines in the market?
Sapiens Red Wine
As the name suggests, the Sapiens Red Wine has been specially designed for the modern human. Gone are the times when you had to settle for a soda or mocktails filled with sugar.
We believe you should not miss out on the royal experience of red wines simply because you have given up drinking. This Tempranillo has a bold and smoky flavor acquired because it is aged in oak. It is the perfect partner for spicy meats and is best served lightly chilled.
Pierre Zero Merlot
The Pierre Zero Merlot utilizes traditional French wine-making techniques. It is dark red with a hint of purple shine. The wine is full-bodied and structured on the palate with notes of red fruits, vanilla, and spice notes. It is the perfect wine to pair with red meats, gourmet cheeses, and spicy dishes.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Rose
Sourced from the serene Sandy and Calcareous vineyards of Southern Spain, the Noughty Sparkling Rose is crafted with 100% organic grapes, and other vegan produces. It is the perfect drink for any celebration, minus the hangover that comes with it. Most importantly, it tastes exactly like alcoholic wine.
Alcohol contents of the drink have been delicately removed from the top layer of the drink without disrupting its taste or aroma. The technique used is the patented Spinning Cone Column. Additionally, vacuum distillation is used to maintain the correct temperature to keep the aroma and the natural taste intact.
Surely Sauvignon Blanc
Originated from the Dry Creek Valley, two prime locations of Sanoma County, and the Russian River Valley, Surely Sauvignon Blanc is a zero-alcohol white wine. Its compositions include the best grapes from these regions, and the wine also has pleasant notes of pears and sweet apples.
The wine comes with no harmful additives and is low in sugar, carbs, and calories. It is also vegan and gluten-free, which means that animals have not been harmed while preparing the wine.
So, what is the future of non-alcoholic wines?
Non-alcoholic wines clearly prove that the new generation is becoming more concerned about their health. In addition, the pandemic has played a major role in making people understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
With more and more no alcoholic beverages becoming available to the public, they have exposed a significantly healthier alternative. So, it can be safely concluded that non-alcoholic wines are here to stay.