If you’re looking to reduce your alcohol intake this January – without going completely ‘dry’ – it’s worth taking a look at some lower alcohol wine options.
These typically run from 6%-11% and include wines both naturally low in alcohol as well as those that have had their ABV reduced. The lighter styles can also be a refreshing change after enjoying fuller wines through the Christmas period.
Depending on style and grape variety, wines tend to have between 12-14% alcohol, however in recent years levels have been creeping up, partly because of climate change and also due to the growing trend for softer, more ripe wines.
Finding red wines below 12% can be tricky but not impossible with classic sources being cooler climate regions around the world – below we’ve included ones from Oregon and England, plus a Lambrusco Salamino, that are all below 12% abv.
For white wines Germany, and in particular the Mosel, is a good starting point. Wines with less than 10% ABV are likely going to have an element of sweetness having had the fermentation stopped leaving the natural sweetness of the grapes in the resulting wine.
Sparkling wines feature heavily on the list below – from Italy, England and the Rhône – as it’s easier to keep alcohol levels lower on these styles, without losing out on flavour.
Updated January 2021.
20 top lower alcohol wines to try
The following wines have been recommended by Decanter experts, and fall into the below 12% abv category.
