Dealcoholized wine is a wine that has had all or most of its alcohol content removed. It can be a slight adjustment for style such as 15% abv to 14% abv, or for a low alcohol product down to 8% abv, or down to <0.5% abv for non-alcoholic. The main purpose of wine dealcoholization is to remove the alcohol post-fermentation,  producing a wine that retains the flavors and characteristics of the original wine but with significantly reduced or no alcohol content. Low and No alcohol beverages have less calories and are a healthier alternative to alcoholic drinks and are quickly gaining popularity.

Popularity of Dealcoholized Wine

Dealcoholized wine is often sought after by wine lovers who want to enjoy their glass of wine without the negative effects of alcohol. It is the first choice for individuals who want to abstain from alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons. The popularity of dealcoholized wine has grown in recent years, driven by various factors and a changing consumer landscape.

Here are some reasons why dealcoholized wine has gained traction in recent years.

Trend Toward Health Consciousness

Consumers today are more health-conscious than ever and are seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Dealcoholized wine provides an option for those who want to enjoy the taste of wine without the potential negative health effects associated with alcohol consumption.

Growing Market Demand

While the market demand for low and no alcohol beverages started with the millennial generation, it has since grown into the wider population. Dealcoholized wine now appeals to a wide swath of consumers looking for alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages whether it’s for a social event, dinner out, or a relaxing evening in. Non-alcoholic wine allows individuals to participate in social events without the need for alcohol aligning with the changing societal norms.

Improved Quality

Thanks to technological advancements, dealcoholized wine produced these days tastes like the real thing. Manufacturers use using methods such as dealcoholization to create non-alcoholic wines with more authentic flavors.

Availability

The increasing demand for non-alcoholic beverages, has prompted producers to expand their offerings. As a result, more non-alcoholic wine options are available on the market.

Versatility

Dealcoholized wine is the choice of drink in many social gatherings in which traditional wine may not be served (due to religious or social reasons). Thanks to dealcoholized wine, individuals who do not drink or are trying to cut back on alcohol can participate in toasts, celebrations, and social events without worrying about the negative effects of alcohol.

How is Dealcoholized Wine Made?

Wine dealcoholization methods are designed to remove or reduce alcohol content while preserving the key flavors and characteristics of traditional wine. There are several dealcoholization methods. When choosing a dealcoholization method, winemakers consider the type of beverage to be dealcoholized.

Here are some popular wine dealcoholization methods.

Vacuum Distillation

This method involves distilling traditional wine under reduced pressure in a vacuum chamber, which, in turn, reduces the boiling point of alcohol. As traditional wine is heated (max temperature-48°), alcohol evaporates. The alcohol vapor is then collected. The liquid left behind is dealcoholized wine. The two most effective and widely used technologies used in this sector are the SCC (Spinning Cone Column) and packed columns

Spinning Cone Column

The spinning cone technique uses a stainless steel column featuring a central rotating shaft and a sequence of spinning and fixed cones arranged in an alternating fashion. The most volatile aroma compounds are extracted from the wine in a quick and gentle first pass, then the alcohol is removed in a second pass. The aroma components are then blended back into the wine.

Packed Columns

Packed Columns consist of two or more columns as vertical stainless-steel cylinders, which are filled with packing material that provide a huge surface area, making distillation very efficient. This method is a continuous process and extracts the aromas and the dealcoholized wine in one single run. In this method, spirit/alcohol, dealcoholized beverage, and essence are extracted in a single step. The essence and the dealcoholized liquid are then combined to achieve the final product.

Membrane Filtration

Membrane filtration involves passing wine through a filter with pores small enough to capture alcohol molecules. The method does not use heat. In the final step, the composition of filtered wine is altered to achieve the desired balance of flavors. The disadvantage is incremental alcohol reduction. Alcohol is removed by 0.7% to 1.5% ABV per pass, thus a 15% wine would take 8 passes to remove alcohol to 3%.

Benefits of Dealcoholized Wine

While wine has long been celebrated for its complex flavors and ability to enhance the dining experience, it’s no secret that the alcohol content can pose concerns for some individuals. In this section, we will explore the health benefits of dealcoholized wine, highlighting the reasons why it has become an attractive choice for those seeking a more mindful and health-conscious approach to their wine consumption. From reduced calorie counts to potential cardiovascular advantages, dealcoholized wine offers a variety of health perks that make it a compelling option for wine enthusiasts and wellness enthusiasts alike.

Reduced Alcohol Intake

One of the obvious benefits of non-alcoholic wine is that it can help reduce your alcohol consumption. Cutting down on alcohol is a great way to minimize the potential health risks.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Some studies suggest that polyphenols and antioxidants in wine may improve cardiovascular health. Dealcoholized wine retains these compounds and may offer similar health benefits, helping reduce one’s risk of heart disease.

Wine, particularly red wine, contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Dealcoholized wine contains these compounds as well.

Though traditional wine can help reduce bad cholesterol, it contains alcohol, and can have various side effects. Non-alcoholic wine offers the same health benefits of traditional wine and can help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

Non-alcoholic Wine can Help you Stay Hydrated

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of hydration. Water lubricates our joints, helps the kidneys and liver flush out toxic waste, and supports various other vital bodily functions.

Alcohol is a diuretic. When you drink too much, alcohol causes your body to remove fluids at a  faster rate than usual and may lead to dehydration. Dealcoholized wine is not a diuretic and can help you stay hydrated.

BevZero is a leader in dealcoholized wine services and equipment. Our dealcoholization equipment is designed to reduce alcohol content in alcoholic beverages without negatively impacting the original taste and aroma. To learn more, Contact us today at 707 577 7507.