The Raise a Glass feature is published in several UK regional newspapers every week – here’s a quick glance at Dry January 2024.
If you’re trying to cut back this month, then best of luck; and you’re not alone.
The trend for “no / low” (no and low alcohol) is growing in the UK.
It is seen as one of the world’s leading markets for this style of drinks.
Many people are now seeking alternatives to alcoholic drinks, at any time of year, not just Dry January
Here’s a handful I’ve tried recently.
Many people love the fruity, citric wake-up call of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. You can enjoy one without the alcohol with multiple gold medal winning Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc (£9, Ocado).
The alcohol may have been removed, but the vibrancy of tropical fruit and grapefruit remains. It’s quite a sipper, with its depth of fruit.
Then to Eisberg, the well-known brand which has several no-alcohol wines. It has launched a special selection, Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, Sparkling Rosé, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio (RRP £6.50 – £7.50, various retailers).
I spoke to Dan Harwood from the Eisberg team at the London Wine Fair. Dan explained that the grapes used to make the base wine (before the alcohol is stripped out) are higher quality than the rest of the Eisberg range.
I could definitely tell, as there was much more concentration of fruit.
(It was lovely to catch up with Dan again as he taught me WSET wine in Liverpool, back in the day!)
Well done if you’re still cracking on with the Dry January challenge.
There’s lots of offers in and around the supermarkets, not least in Sainsbury where some no-alcohol deals run until January 31, 2024. If you fancy a drop of fizz, then Freixenet 0.0% White is reduced by £1 to £4 and McGuigan Zero Sparkling is down to £3.50. If a pink appeals, then Nozeco Rosé drops to £3.
Here’s a handful of other zero alcohol fizz ideas for Dry January 2024:
Costellore Zerozecco (£2.99, Aldi): – This has been a seasonal sip from Aldi, and the bubbles in the glass are happy to be with us. The label suggests to sip it with desserts, and that’s probably the best option. It is peachy. It is uncomplicated.
Vilarnau 0% Sparkling White (£7, Amazon): – This ticks the boxes of both Dry January and Veganuary. It is made by a cava producer and so, unsurprisingly, two traditional cava grape varieties – macabeo and parellada – share the billing. It is perfumed with flowers and citrus (and a little yeasty) with a bright lemony flavour.
Noughty Organic Sparkling Chardonnay (£9.99, or £7.99 in a buy six deal at Majestic). This feels a more grown-up no-alcohol glass of bubbles. And it needs to be, because it’s one of the pricier no-alcohol sips. There’s quality in the background, with the chardonnay growing in organic vineyards. Think apples and citrus fruit.
First published in UK regional newspapers: See “About ” me