The wine industry saw a shift in popularity as Gen-Z gravitated toward low to no alcohol sippers.
It’s clear that low-alcohol wines are more than just a trend and may be a permanent path toward lower guilt enjoyment.
As the current generation redefines traditional norms, the wine industry is adapting to meet their preferences, resulting from Gen-Z’s socially conscious mindset.
In this article, we’re discussing low-alcohol wines and what makes them different from other sippers.
Wine alcohol percentage ranges from 5.5% to as high as 25% ABV (alcohol by volume) in the case of fortified wines, which have distilled liquor added during winemaking. The average ABV for a bottle of wine is around 11-13%.
Alcohol content is essential to know as it tells you a lot about what you’re sipping. A high-alcohol wine will not only taste warmer on the palate, it will also have more structure.
A bottle of wine with 16% ABV on the label will have twice as much alcohol as a 7% ABV wine. This means there could be a massive difference in how you feel after just a single glass of wine.
Now that we know how much alcohol content can range let’s see what sets low-alcohol wines apart.
Low-alcohol wine is just that- a wine that has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV). Anything within the 5-11% ABV category is considered low alcohol.
Unlike robust wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, which is 12-14.5% ABV, wines with lower alcohol content tend to have a lighter flavor profile.
Keep reading to learn how low-alcohol wine is made.
Wine alcohol content is determined by the amount of natural sugars in the grapes, climate, and alcohol. During the fermentation process, sugars in the grape juice are converted into alcohol. The more sugar a grape variety has, the more residual sugars are left behind, leading to a sweeter wine with lower alcohol.
Grapes grown in cooler climates will also have a lower alcohol content. High altitude also impacts alcohol; grapes grown in these areas will not ripen fully, resulting in lower sugars and, thereby, a lower alcohol content.
Overall, the winemaker decides the wine ABV, as they can stop the fermentation process before it completes, resulting in less sugar being converted into alcohol.
Methods like reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation are also used. The former is a chemical process used to remove alcohol from wine after it’s made, while the latter removes wine through evaporation by heating it after fermentation.
Red wines tend to have a higher alcohol content than other types of wine, although there are a few exceptions. Here are a few red wines known for being a little less boozy.
A cool climate wine, Gamay is known for its light body, fruity profile, low tannin structure, and an ABV of 10.5-12.5%, making it an easy-to-moderate sipper.
While the famously light-bodied Pinot Noir tends to bear a moderate alcohol content, cooler climate varietals put it closer to around 12% ABV.
A delightfully sweet, semi-sparkling wine (frizzante) from Italy’s Piedmont region, Brachetto d’Acqui boasts a thirst-quenching red fruit flavor profile and ABV under 10%.
Known for its incredibly low ABV of around 8%, Lambrusco is another semi-sweet fizzy sipper from the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy.
In general, it can be easier to find white wine alcohol content on the lower side as they’re usually more popular for sipping in the summer. Below are a few of the most famous low-alcohol whites.
One of the most recognizable low-alcohol varietals, Riesling ranges from 9-11% ABV and boasts delightful acidity, peach, apricot, grapefruit notes, and a pronounced sweetness.
Meaning “green wine” or “young wine” in Portuguese, Vinho Verde’s grapes often contain less sugar as they never fully ripen. With crisp, citrus flavors, this smooth wine comes out to 9% ABV.
With just 6% ABV, Moscato is bubbly with light citrus and floral aromas. It’s an excellent choice for a low-guilt nightcap.
When it comes to alcohol content, every percentage makes a difference. A moderate-alcohol wine will have 11.5-13.5% ABV. Anything higher than this will fall into the high alcohol content category. Here are some wines that have a higher ABV.
While these wines carry bold, excellent notes and a structured body, they won’t be sought after by low-alcohol wine enthusiasts.
When it comes to sipping alcoholic beverages overall, it’s essential to be mindful of alcohol content. A low-alcohol wine will be enjoyed easily and more frequently, while high-alcohol wines are great for sipping slowly and savoring, especially alongside a hearty meal.
Whichever you prefer, low-alcohol wines are here to stay, so why not give them a try?
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