To dream, the impossible dream...

Or is it?

My wife's normal routine is to have 2 glasses of red wine with dinner, and perhaps some port or a sticky on the weekends. But after a recent checkup, her doctor advised her to cut way back on her alcohol consumption. Nothing serious or imminent health-wise, just a strong suggestion to make some changes in order to stave off future problems, based on her test results.

Not wanting to give up the flavors she loves, something I'm sure everyone here can sympathize with, she asked me if I know of any de-alcoholized/very low ABV wines that are at all drinkable.

I don't. Every one I've ever tried has either tasted like undiluted Welch's grape jam, or industrial strength varnish remover.

Granted though, I have very limited experience with this. There may indeed be examples now on the market that don't remind me of the Monty Python line about Australian wines, "for those keen on regurgitation". But if there are, I'm not aware of them.

I figured if there was ever a group that WAS aware of any, however, it would be this group. So...anyone here know of any non alcoholic red wines not fit to be paired with anything other than peanut butter?

Thanks!

[David M. Bueker]

Leitz makes a no alcohol Riesling that is actually pretty good. It's essentially a kabinett. Eins Zwei Zero

Thanks for that, David, I'll check them out. I know for her though, the desire for a red tops all others. Still, it's a start, so much appreciated!

[Jenise]

My experience has been like yours, Tom. They taste terrible. One would, I think, be better served by taking an assertive wine she likes and turning it into a spritzer. The flavor would be familiar and the texture festive, but it would only be half the abv. And maybe it wouldn't seem so punitive.

Obviously health is #1 priority. I've never heard of a de-alcoholized wine that someone who previously appreciated good wine liked. Wish I could come up with one to suggest. An acquaintance in similar circumstances switched from wine geekery to tea geekery.

Thanks Jenise and Dale, I appreciate your input