Non-alcoholic wines are no longer just a passing trend! They're now a popular option amongst Aussies wanting to enjoy the ritual and taste of wine without the alcohol. From going easy on the booze, pregnant and breastfeeding to simply looking for a lighter option for your celebration, there's an ever-expanding demand for non-alcoholic wines to suit just about every occasion. But one big question that tends to pop up is, “Can non-alcoholic wines age like their alcoholic counterparts?” Well, let's crack into this and see what’s what.
How Are Non-Alcoholic Wines Made
Before we discuss whether these wines age well or not, we must first understand how they are made. Non-alcoholic wines are not just simply regular wines with the alcohol removed. They are made just like traditional wines, with grapes harvested, fermented, and turned into wine. The only difference comes in the last step, removing the alcohol.
To preserve as much of the flavours (aromas) of the wine but without the booze, this is done by reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation. There are other methods, too, but these two are the main ones. Such techniques retain the taste, body, and mouthfeel of the wine while removing the alcohol.
The idea is that you can still experience that same sensory experience, only without the booze. And that means, although you are enjoying a no-alcohol wine, you are still getting those rich fruit flavours, crisp acidity, and nice finish – without the hangover the next day.
However, in the ageability factor, there's one significant difference: unlike their alcoholic counterparts, without alcohol, the ageing potential of these wines can be much more limited.
What Role Does Alcohol Play in Traditional Wine Ageing
In traditional wines, alcohol is key to the ageing process. It acts as a preservative, allowing the wine to evolve over time. This natural preservative quality means that over the years, the wines age, soften, and develop greater complexity of flavour.
When a wine ages, its various constituents (tannins, acids, sugars, etc.) blend together in a wonderful synthesis, resulting in the complex aromas of leather, tobacco, or dried fruit that experienced wine drinkers relish.
The alcohol also assists in melding these flavours together and acts as a preservative, keeping the wine stable. It also mellows the tannins, making the wine feel smoother and more balanced.
Without alcohol in the mix, non-alcoholic wines miss out on this natural stabilisation process. While non-alcoholic wines still undergo some degree of fermentation, they don't go through the same processes that allow traditional wines to develop complexity over time.
Can Non-Alcoholic Wines Age Like Traditional Wines
The truth is this — nonalcoholic wines are produced in an identical method as traditional wines, but they often lack the ageing potential of regular wine. It’s due to the alcohol, which is essential to the ageing process because it preserves the wine and allows it to evolve. It also means without it, the flavour and texture are not going to develop the same way.
So, although you can enjoy non-alcoholic wines fresh from the bottle (which we absolutely encourage you to do), you are not going to get the same gradual transformation as you would get from a cellar-aged bottle of fine red wine. Non-alcoholic wines are best consumed within a couple of years after production for the best taste experience.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy them. The beauty of non-alcoholic wines is that they’re created to taste fantastic right out of the bottle. Many non-alcoholic sparkling wines, for example, are bursting with effervescence and freshness, while others – like the Next Destination range from Australia – offer delicious complexity, even without the ageing process.
Non-alcoholic reds and whites also offer great drinking experiences, with many producers aiming to keep the integrity of the original wine intact. While they might not age like a full-bodied Shiraz or a bold Cabernet, they’ll still provide all the satisfaction you need.
Finishing Off
For now, non-alcoholic wines are best enjoyed fresh. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to experience the joy of wine without the effects of alcohol. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the taste of wine without the effect of alcohol. So if you're on the health kick or just want a break from the booze, non-alc wines are right up your alley. So, if you’ve been thinking about trying non-alcoholic wines, don’t wait around for them to age – enjoy them now!
Here at Sans Drinks, we’ve got a fantastic range of non-alcoholic wines that’ll make any occasion special. Our motto is simple- we don’t just sell non-alcoholic drinks; we offer a new way of experiencing life, a chance to be present, to celebrate, to connect - without alcohol defining the moment!
