As alcohol consumption declines in France, the demand for no- and low-alcohol (NOLO) beverages grows. Louise Hurren looks at some of the latest developments.
An Andalusian research project is investigating Sherry with reduced alcohol content. This project particularly focuses on Fino and Manzanilla varieties, which are aged under a layer of flor.
The relevant committee of the INAO (Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité) intends to allow indications of geographical origin (IGP) for partially dealcoholized wines. However, this can only happen once the protection associations take action.
When a host says 'can I get you a drink?', they're rarely offering No-Lo wines or sparkling tea. Robert Joseph suggests that, despite not containing any alcohol, these are ‘drinks' too – and deserve rather more recognition than they're currently given.
In response to declining sales, several Bordeaux winemakers are adopting innovative, sober strategies. Meanwhile, France is engaged in a debate over regulations for partially de-alcoholized wines with protected geographical indications.
It’s got a wine-growing history that dates back to the Roman world. It’s got more than 220 authorised grape varieties over 55,000 hectares of vineyards, and it’s one of the most exciting wine-growing countries in Europe.