Tag: Virgin Wine

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Virgin Bubbles

Miguel Torres Natureo 0.0

Bubbly’s take…

The Natureo is another, increasingly mainstream, de-alcoholised red wine. This one hails from Spain and is a blend produced from Garnacha and Syrah grapes. One thing we noticed is that the Natureo has a somewhat spicy and festival – think mulled wine – flavour. This sort of makes sense given the label mentions its matured in French oak (!).

We think the Miguel Torres winery has done a good job with this one. As virgin wines go, it is flavoursome, bringing a full spectrum of berry flavours to the palate. In other words and in contrast to other alcohol-free wines, it definitely does not greet you like a glass of bland grape juice. It has depth, with some smoky characteristics, likely a benefit of the combination of two grapes and barrel-based production.

Would go well with…

Red meats, pasta… lasagne anyone? Seriously though, we think the Natureo is suitable for most meals, particularly for mid-week evenings or a lighter weekend. It also pairs well with Netflix, Prime and Disney+, making for a great night in.

Where to buy…

Waitrose

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Virgin Bubbles

Torres Natureo De-alcoholised Muscat (Spain)

Bubbly’s take…

We heard that the Natureo was the very first de-alcoholised wine to hit the supermarket shelves in Spain. For a virgin wine, we certainly think this one has surprising depth of flavour. It possesses rounded, lush and fruity notes to keep the palate entertained. This wine also possesses a beautiful colour and a robust bouquet hence we think the Natureo Muscant is a great choice if you’re after something that looks, smells and tastes like the real deal.

Would go well with…

Definitely food. This wine is quite versatile and we think it would pair well with most Mediterranean dishes. It’s one of those reliable wines that you can use as both an ingredient and an accompaniment. We enjoyed the Natureo when we made some scrumptous goats cheese and courgette fusilli (thanks to Mildreds (London) for the recipe!):

Where to buy…

Waitrose Cellar

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Virgin Bubbles

Benjamin Truffer Alcohol-free Sparkling Muscato

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)

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Virgin Bubbles

Nosecco

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…

Tesco

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Virgin Bubbles

Freixenet Alcohol-free Sparkling

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…

Tesco

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Virgin Bubbles

Tesco Low Alcohol Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc

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…

Tesco

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Virgin Bubbles

Freixenet Alcohol-free Sparkling

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:

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Virgin Bubbles

Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling

Bubbly’s take…

Ok, ok! We admit it – this isn’t a fizzy wine but it is still a premium de-alcoholised alternative that we feel deserves its spotlight. In terms of flavour, this German Riesling has a nice fruity blush though it’s not too overpowering and we definitely felt we were drinking a wine (rather than grape juice!). Eins Zwei Zero is also reasonably low in calories, which makes it a great tipple for those needing a mid-week treat or who want to leave room for dessert!

Would go well with…

Pretty much anything. This Riesling is a good go-to wine for weekday nights and would pair well with Netflix and a night on the sofa. Like most Rieslings, this wine will also suit most meals though – given it is a low alcohol wine – we would suggest matching Eins Zwei Zero to fish dishes or vegetarian recipes, which do not call for a dry or tannin-rich pairing.

Where to buy…

Waitrose Cellar

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Virgin Bubbles

Marks and Spencer Fizzero Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé

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.

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Virgin Bubbles

McGuigan Zero Sparkling Alcohol-free Wine

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…