Every December 31st, many of us resolve to change a few things for the new year. Maybe we’re getting back on the treadmill; maybe it’s the promise to cut back on those indulgences we allowed ourselves over the holidays.

For many, we go cold turkey – cutting out alcohol in all its forms = Dry January. But every so often we reach for a bottle without thinking. It’s automatic. Maybe it’s a part of a nice dinner or celebrating the end of a day.

One of the things I love about wine is its sensual nature. I like the feel of the glass in my hands, the scents on the nose, the complexity of flavors as they caress the palate. The buzz isn’t always the attraction (tho it can be fun).

The challenge with many dealcoholized wines is experiencing the same essences, flavors and mouthfeel of wine with alcohol. It usually just tastes like grape juice. Which is fine but…it just doesn’t have the same vibe. And pairing with food can be even more tricky.

Alcohol is often what gives wine its body and texture, creating that nice bounciness (or solid gravitas) on the tongue.

Dealcoholized wines contain the exact grape varietals as its boozy counterpart. The difference in the processes used to remove the alcohol. This wine is created using the cold-filtration method.

Health Benefits of Dealcoholized Wine:

*Contains resveratrol, the component in red wine that has anti-oxidant properties

*Decreases stroke – promotes HDL (the good cholesterol) and decreases LDL (bad cholesterol)

*Anti-aging

*Anti-inflammatory – protecting cells, especially in the heart and brain from damage

*Less sugar and calories than wine with alcohol

All good things.

This year, I found a 2021 Ariel Dealcoholized Cabernet Sauvignon. $12.99

It had a lighter mouthfeel, bright essence of cherry with underlying earthiness that lingered for a bit on the finish. It’s refreshing little vibe is fun with a sweetness that’s not cloying. In the glass it has the clarity and deep ruby color of a Cab. HubbyDoug was fooled! He thought I’d already blown off my dry January pledge! Lol Such little faith.

Most dealcoholized winemakers make it pretty clear that their wine will taste different than what wine drinkers are typically used to. And that’s true. But for the pure enjoyment of a beverage with all the benefits of red wine ( and none of the side effects) it’s a nice change.

So raise a glass to Dry January to all those who participate!

Cheers!🍷

Copyright. The Wine Student. 2024