Delicious wine plus antioxidants, minus the alcohol. Here's what you need to know about this new Australian range of non-alcoholic wine.
What is non-alcoholic wine and how is it made?
Non-alcoholic wine is regular wine with the alcohol removed. It’s more than just wine though. It’s a choice, a revelation, a lifestyle!
For a drink to be referred to as “non-alcoholic”, “alcohol-free” or “dealcoholised” it must contain no more than 0.5% ABV, which is comparative to alcohol levels that you’d find in some fruits. You can drink non-alcoholic wine and other alcohol-free drinks without any of the usual side effects of alcohol but still enjoy the great taste and ritual of pouring, drinking and socialising.
When alcohol-free wine is made, it follows much the same process as a regular wine (depending on the brand and the product, of course). Most winemakers will either remove the alcohol via distillation or filtration just before the wine is bottled. Some are also made without any alcohol at all, and these are often referred to as non-alcoholic wine alternatives and include brands, like Fizzero who use bacterial fermentation to achieve the personality of a good wine. Others, like Aussie brand NON simply use natural ingredients mixed by a chef to create a sophisticated adult drink that replaces wine.
What makes Plus & Minus such a health-conscious alternative to regular wine?
Plus & Minus wine does not contain any artificial sweeteners and use the highest quality grapes and other ingredients to ensure a great tasting non-alcoholic wine is achieved. Additional antioxidants are added through grape seed extract (GSE). GSE is naturally rich in antioxidants and well known for its skin loving benefits.
What’s so good about non-alcoholic wine?
Non-alcoholic wine is the way of the future. I can’t tell you enough how happy I am to be able to bring such an awesome range of booze-free bevvies to you! The lifestyle improvements are immense, and the wide array of products are expanding daily.
What Plus & Minus wine varieties are available?
You can follow the link to the Sans Drink store here to check out the range for yourself, otherwise read on for a review on the flavour profiles, aromas and recommended food pairings for each.
Plus & Minus Blanc de Blancs NV
This is a delicious blend of Chardonnay, Semillon and Colombard grapes that has been expertly transformed into a non-alcoholic champagne-style white. A little effervescence brings out the celebratory personality of this white wine and adds to the atmosphere of any occasion.
As with all Plus & Minus wines, this Blanc de Blancs contains no artificial sweeteners or other nasties and also contains grape seed oil for antioxidants. Citrus and apple are the leading flavours of this wine, it is well balance with a dry finish. This sparkling beauty is best served chilled and works well with seafood platters, cheeses and rice dishes.
Plus & Minus Pinot Grigio
This non-alcoholic Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with a lighter meals like seafood, salads, cheese and seasonal fruits. Grapes are sourced from premium South Australian vineyards to create a blend that is slightly floral but with overarching aromas of pear, apple and citrus. It’s best served chilled and is the perfect accompaniment for a dinner with friends or “pre-non-drinks” before a night out on the town.
Plus & Minus Pinot Noir
If mushroom arancini is on the menu, this is the non-alcoholic Pinot Noir to pair it with. This is a lighter red wine with notes of dried herb, spice with all of the savoury characteristics of a classic Pinot Noir. This wine remains a vibrant, full-bodied beauty well after the alcohol has been removed. It’s all part of the process!
Plus & Minus Shiraz
This non-alcoholic Shiraz is rich and full bodied. Expect notes of black fruits with hints of chocolate, vanilla and subtle oak. Ideal with italian foods like pasta dishes and pizza.
Plus & Minus Rose
This non-alcoholic Rose is a European style Rose with delicate flavours of rose petals, strawberries and a bright palate of ripe berry fruit. It pairs well with seafood and summer BBQ's. This wine is also vegan and low sugar.
