Island in a Glass: Navigating the Haven of Delightful Non-Alcoholic Wines
Dive into the world of flavorful non-alcoholic wines devoid of the bitter aftertaste. While the decline in beer consumption and wine consumption in Germany has been noted by the German Wine Institute (DWI), retailers and restaurants have hastened to answer the demands of the public by introducing a fresh array of beverages. The market for non-alcoholic wines, also known as "de-alcoholized," has seen an unprecedented growth, doubling in sales in 2023 alone, according to DWI.
The trend has reached Berlin's most daring wine shop, Viniculture, a haven overseen by co-owner Lukas Kloskowski. He shares that the "low and no" category, referring to the collection of less boozy and alcohol-free beverages, has claimed a sizable section in the shop. Non-alcoholic drinks, despite their small share, account for a promising market in the wine industry.
Navigating the Sea of Flavors
Discovering a palatable drink in the vast sea of non-alcoholic beverages may feel like an arduous task given the mixed reputation of de-alcoholized wines. Nevertheless, with the right tools, you can uncover the hidden gems.
From German, Spanish, French, and Italian origins, a wide variety of non-alcoholic wines are available. Some retailers offer bottles that tantalize the taste buds with natural fruity flavors, while others may disappoint with synthetic astringency or vinegar. Kloskowski sampled around 20 different alternatives during his search for the perfect beverage, and the result was a captivating exploration of tastes and textures.
Light into Darkness
At Viniculture, an exceptional find was the delightful quince juice from Franconian Winery of Stefan Vetter. This €12 gem, rich in fruit sugars, acids, and tannins, captured the essence of a wine without the accompanying alcohol. Its harmonious symphony dances on the tongue, leaving behind an enticing aftertaste that tickles your taste buds.
Straight from the Mouth of Experience
Peter van Nahmen, a fruit pressmaster on the Lower Rhine, is renowned for his enchanting "single-varietal" juices. His Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) grape juices are especially cherished for their captivating sweetness, although a slightly bitter variety may be acquired.
Another standout in the world of non-alcoholic beverages is Jörg Geiger's fruit presses in the Swabian Alps and Klaar Fruit Ferments on the Schaalsee. Geiger's carbonated fruit juices boast complex flavor profiles, with herbs like yarrow, rose hips, and elderflowers, leading to an enticing aroma perfect for pairing with various dishes.
Exploring the Uncharted Depths
Klaar's "Proxy Rot," an alcohol-free alternative to red wine, is a testament to the ingenuity of blending elderberries, elderflower, red beet, aronia, ginger, walnut leaves, apple stems, and quince peels. This velvety concoction, both exotic and familiar, plays perfectly with food and is well worth the price tag.
Breaking the Mold with Carbonation
Geiger's Bouquet Pétillant, an unripe Boskop pear and oak leaves carbonated juice, is an affordable, delightful aperitif, ideal for every occasion. The herbal spices of Prisecco Nr. 11 and the aromatic Aecht Bitter are perfectly paired with the right dish, making your taste buds dance with delight.
Celebrating the Sparkle in Life
Van Nahmen's sparkling seccos, derived from hand-picked quinces and apples, entice the senses with their effervescent nature. Whether enjoyed on the first day or the third, these delightful beverages are sure to enhance any gathering.
Expanding the Realm of the Imagination
JuicyTeas, van Nahmen's unique blend of juices and tea infusions, include exquisite combinations such as Darjeeling, rhubarb, and rose, jasmine, ironwort, and Riesling, and white tea, vanilla, and quince. The wild liquid experiment is both intriguing and satisfying, justifying the modest 9 euros price tag.
Alcohol-free or Almost There?
In a bid to keep up with the growing demand for less alcoholic beverages, manufacturers have introduced numerous options. While "dealcoholized" wines have their advantages, they lack the strict regulations of regular wines. The dealcoholization process eliminates aromas, flavors, and replaces them with sugar. To find the perfect balance, explore the following options:
- Germany: "Carl Jung" (white: Chardonnay, Riesling, or Cuvée; rosé: Grenache from Spain; red: Merlot, Cabernet, or Cuvée), around 6 euros.
- Germany: "Dr. Lo" by Dr. Loosen (white: Riesling), 9-10 euros
- Germany: "Fabelhaft drink & drive" (white: Riesling), 13-16 euros
- Spain: "Torres Natureo 0,0" (white: Muscat; rosé: Cabernet Sauvignon; red: Syrah), 8 to 10 euros
- Spain: "Torres Sangre de Toro" (white: Muscat; rosé: Cuvée of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon; red: Grenache and Syrah), 7 to 9 euros
- Italy: "Doppio Passo" (white: Muscat or Grillo; red: Cuvée), around 7 to 9 euros.
Ultimately, the world of non-alcoholic beverages offers endless possibilities to explore. With the right combination of flavors, you can create a drink fit for royalty, and aside from the flavor, they also embody a unique addition to a dining experience. So, dive headfirst into the exhilarating world of alcohol-free beverages!
