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Bubbly’s take…
This light wine is definitely fruity and flavoursome. Being a Muscato, it is certainly one of the sweeter virgin or low-alcohol wines that we have tried. But it is a cordial drink to enjoy and we believe it would be suited to those seeking a more adventurous virgin wine.
Would go well with…
We think this Muscato could be enjoyed in lieu of a usual dessert or fortified wine. Equally, we enjoyed this with Netflix!
Where to buy…
Marks & Spencer (in-store)
Bubbly’s take…
Crisp and pointed, this faux Prosecco most definitely tastes like the real deal. We enjoyed this amongst family at a cabin in woods-style holiday retreat. It is one of the most convincing low-alcohol wines we have tried. The Nosecco is a solid replication of a mainstream Prosecco, with its own underlying and effervescent character.
Would go well with…
Pizza!
Where to buy…
Bubbly’s take…
Marketed as an “alcohol-free” wine, Freixenet sell this under a o.o.% volume label. Unlike many other wines in its peer group, which are frequently de-alcoholised to 0.5%, Freixenet’s alternative may be well-suited to anyone who wants a teetotal night. While very light and delicate to the palate, this quality wine blossoms with the scent and taste of fresh melon and grape.
Would go well with..
Fresh fish or chicken cooked with a light seasoning or sauce, pairing well with lemon, lime or mild cheese. Freixenet have, however, created a refreshing versatile drink, which would also accompany a light desert (of sorbet or ice-cream), cheese or canapés provided these are not too overpowering. Alternatively, afternoon, evening or at night, this makes for a great wine to enjoy on its own.
Where to buy…
Bubbly’s take…
While we don’t usually review “own-brand” wine, we had to post something about this refreshing Spanish Sauvignon Blanc. While dealcoholised to <0.5%, we felt this sparkling white came surprisingly close to the real thing. It’s well-priced and characterful, bringing a welcome depth of flavour typically not found in its peer group.
Would go well with…
Finger sandwiches or afternoon tea.
Where to buy…
Bubbly’s take…
This is one of the best virgin wines we’ve tried. It’s perfect for a midweek tipple – when you’d love some fizz but it’s only Wednesday. This fine sparkling wine is available from UK outlets of Marks & Spencer and certain M&S Food outlets. Amongst its peer group, this sparkling possesses excellent depth of taste that is reminiscent of a Cava. It’s certainly not a mere grape juice and it is as close to the real thing as we’ve found so far. Offering superb value, we feel the Fizzero represents an excellent development of and addition to the low alcohol wine market.
Would go well with…
Itself or whatever’s cooking! As we mentioned, we love Fizzero as a mid-week treat… often when we’re also lacking inspiration in the kitchen. While this rosé has a pleasant and developed flavour, it is versatile and will add some sparkle to many working week dinners.
Where to buy…
Check the Marks & Spencers food hall for this lovely rosé (- there is also a sparkling white wine that M&S offer under the Fizzero hallmark). Certain larger M&S Food stores may also sell this wonderful sparkling. Unfortunately, M&S do not currently seem to offer this for online shopping.
Bubbly’s take…
We’re delighted to showcase another virgin wine from an established winery. As low- and no-alcohol wines go, we found this sparkling to have a good depth of flavour. It looks, tastes and froths like an (alcoholised) Australian sparkling wine, and represents a convincing and compelling substitute that should form part of any low-alcohol wine purveyor’s repertoire.
Would go well with…
Fish and cheese.
Where to buy…
Bubbly’s take: Never have we ever had a Cornish sparkling wine. Our impression has been that the English sparkling wine industry is predominant in the home counties, with even The New York Times taking note of certain distinguished Surrey- and Sussex-based names. In contrast, Camel Valley are an increasingly-celebrated, family-managed winery based in a picturesque part of Cornwall and testament to the growing prominence of British wine producers. This particular wine is quite intriguing, bringing a dry and buzzing flavour to the palate. Interestingly, however, we found this Brut possessed a softer fragrance, lacking the abrasive bouquet that is typical of drier sparklings. If you are keen to sample an English wine at the frontier of the national industry, then we certainly think Camel Valley is worth a try.
Would go well with: Fish (paying homage to this Brut’s Cornish heritage!) or a creamy dessert.
Where to buy: .
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