As the market for low and no-alcohol wine grows, various terms have begun popping up to describe the different consumer offerings. Distinguishing between alcohol free, non-alcoholic, and dealcoholized wines can be confusing but understanding these differences is essential.

One important thing to note is that there are differences in these terms globally that are often influenced by different regulations and cultural norms. While there is still much confusion, there is hope that some standards will eventually be created to help add clarity for the consumer. Let’s delve into what sets these terms apart.

Alcohol Free Wine

Alcohol free wine is not necessarily free from alcohol. To be classified as alcohol free, a wine must contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) in many countries, such as Denmark, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, and the U.S. However, in the United Kingdom to be considered alcohol free, the product must be no more than 0.05% ABV. Although the UK is looking to raise this standard to 0.5% ABV.

Producing Alcohol Free Wine

The production process for alcohol free wine involves either stopping the fermentation process early or removing the alcohol after fermentation through various methods. The result is a beverage that retains many of the flavors and characteristics of traditional wine but without the alcohol.

Non-Alcoholic Wine

Non-alcoholic wine and alcohol free wine terms are often used interchangeably. However, some differences can exist depending on regional regulations and labeling practices. In the US, EU countries, and Australia non-alcoholic is up to 0.5%ABV. In Canada, the non-alcoholic threshold is up to 1.1%, and for Japan, it’s up to 1%ABV. Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries typically prohibit any detectable alcohol content in beverages due to religious laws. This means non-alcoholic wines must have 0.0% ABV.

Producing Non-Alcoholic Wine

Non-alcoholic wine undergoes a similar production process to alcohol free wine, ensuring that the final product has an alcohol content that aligns with the legal requirements of the country it will be sold in. Any product marketed as non-alcoholic wine that has not started with a fermented product is just fruit juice.

Dealcoholized Wine

Unlike the terms “alcohol-Free” or “Non-Alcoholic” which describe a larger group of beverages that can be dealcoholized or not, “Dealcoholized” wine starts its life as regular wine, fully fermented and containing typical alcohol levels. The process of dealcoholization is a sophisticated technique that can remove some or all of the alcohol from a wine depending upon the requirements.

Dealcoholization

The most common methods for dealcoholization include vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis. Each of these processes aims to preserve the wine’s original flavors and aromas while removing the alcohol. This can be particularly appealing for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy the complexities and subtleties of wine without the effects of alcohol.

The Benefit of Dealcoholized Wine

Dealcoholized wine often offers a more authentic wine-drinking experience because it begins as a fully fermented wine. This allows for a broader range of flavors and a more nuanced palate, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy the taste of wine but wish to limit their alcohol intake.

Full Flavor, No Alcohol – Dealcoholized Wine From BevZero

Ready to explore the world of dealcoholization? Contact BevZero today at info@bevzero.com to learn more about our dealcoholization services. Cheers to a new, enjoyable wine experience!