Is non-alcoholic wine a sweet treat for those with poor health? Bullshit.
Stop talking about salads: these drinks made from grapes retain the aromas, structure and even tannins of real wines. The difference? 70% fewer calories and zero risk of a hangover the next day.
We're not selling you grape juice disguised as wine.
With less than 0.5% alcohol (sometimes even 0.0%), the best dealcoholized wines of 2025 would almost rival their ethyl cousins. Red, white, rosé, sparkling... the offer is exploding everywhere: in mass distribution (🤢 unfortunately at Carrefour, Leclerc, etc.) and especially in specialized cellars like those of Sanzalc ! 🤘
So, are you ready to discover that you can raise your elbow without losing your mind? This guide will save you from unpleasant surprises and especially from poor purchases.
The real pleasure is the taste… not the intoxication.
What is non-alcoholic wine?
A little tired of hearing that non-alcoholic wine is grape juice in disguise.
Let's set the record straight...
Legal definition and residual alcohol level
First thing to know: a wine "without alcohol"still contains alcohol. Surprise !
In France and the EU, to qualify as "alcohol-free", a wine must contain less than 0.5% alcohol in volume. Some reach 0.0%, but it is technically difficult to obtain absolutely.
Except that: → A product cannot legally be called "wine" if it contains less than 8.5% alcohol → Hence the mentions "wine-based drink" or "drink made from dealcoholized wine" on the labels.
These legal subtleties do not change the quality, but they do explain why your bottle is not called "wine" at all.
Difference between dealcoholized wine and grape juice
Let's be clear: dealcoholized wine is NOT grape juice.
The difference? The alcohol-free wine fermented like real wine, then the alcohol was removed. Grape juice has never fermented, period.
And let's not even talk about the sugar level. A dealcoholized wine will not exceed more than 3 g/100 ml at Sanzalc when a grape juice has a minimum of 13 g/100 ml!!!
And this is where it gets interesting:
→ During fermentation the complex aromas, tannins and structure of the wine develop → A good dealcoholized wine preserves the tannic structure, the aromas developed during aging, the balanced acidity → Grape juice remains sweet and one-dimensional.
Result: alcohol-free wine offers a rich aromatic palette and often a dry finish. Nothing to do with industrial juice.
Finally, we can never repeat it enough. To make a (very) good wine without alcohol, you must first start with a (very) good wine!
Why this product is becoming more and more popular
Three main reasons explain the market explosion:
1. Technology has evolved
Gone are the bland alcohol-free wines of the 90s. Modern dealcoholization techniques now preserve aromas and structure.
2. Habits change
Younger generations are drinking less, but better. Alcohol is no longer the center of the party. Normal when we know that alcohol is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the WHO.
3. It meets concrete needs
→ Pregnant women who want to participate in convivial moments
→ Drivers who do not want to end up in police custody
→ Athletes concerned about their performance
→ People under medical treatment
→ Practitioners of religions prohibiting alcohol
The industry sensed the opportunity and invested massively in R&D. Result: a diversified offer which faithfully reproduces the characteristics of the great terroirs.
In short, alcohol-free wine is no longer a compromise drink. It has become an accepted choice.
How is alcohol-free wine made?
So, how do we keep the taste of wine while removing the alcohol? It's not magic, but almost.
Since the patent filed by the German Carl Jung in 1908, three main techniques fight to produce the best ethanol-free copy. Each has its advantages… and its little hidden flaws.
Vacuum evaporation: making the alcohol fly away
The idea is simple: we heat the wine under reduced pressure so that the alcohol evaporates at a lower temperature. Clever, right?
Two variants exist: → High temperature evaporation (25-30°C) → Low temperature evaporation without intensive heating
The cold method wins hands down: it preserves the aromas better since the wine is not cooked. After extracting the alcohol, some producers add natural flavors or must to restore the structure.
Picky ones like Pierre Zéro Signature from CHAVIN use vacuum distillation at low temperature which even avoids added aromas.
Except that this technique is expensive and consumes energy (even if producers produce more and more green energy). And according to European regulations, up to 2% of alcohol can be removed, so traces may remain.
Reverse osmosis: the star filtering technique
More modern, reverse osmosis uses a membrane that lets water and alcohol pass through, but blocks the rest. The principle? The wine is forced through this membrane under pressure.
Result: we recover a mixture of water, alcohol and a few molecules (the famous “permeate”). Then, we remove the alcohol in two ways:
- Membrane contactor (micro-filtration)
- Classical distillation
→ First method: 10% alcohol → Second method: 85% alcohol
Reverse osmosis takes place cold, so it retains flavors better. It is the cheapest and least bulky in France to reduce by a few degrees. French winegrowers even use it on their wines that are too high in alcohol in scorching years.
The problem? This technique pumps a crazy amount of water, struggles to completely dealcoholize and poorly recovers the initial aromas.
Assemblies without fermentation: the radical approach
There, we completely change gear. Rather than dealcoholizing a real wine, we start directly from unfermented grape must.
These drinks are made from pure grapes, chosen for their aromatic qualities. The complexity comes from maceration with seeds and other natural components. Some keep the single grape variety (muscat, chardonnay, syrah).
Other more creative creations mix grape + flowers + herbs + citrus to create new profiles. After clarification and sometimes acidification, a finished product is obtained.
The big plus? Zero sulfite, zero preservatives. Final pasteurization ensures stability without chemicals.
Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, but the objective remains the same: to reproduce the wine experience without the side effects.
Red, white, rosé… not all alcohol-free wines are equal
The supply is exploding, but watch out for the pitfalls! Each category has its particularities and good tips to know.
At Sanzalc, Arnaud - its founder - likes to give this rule when comparing alcohol Vs without alcohol in the world of wine:
- Very easy: Sparkling wines and rosé wines
- Easy: White wines
- Less obvious: Red wines
Red wine without alcohol
Dealcoholized reds are where it gets interesting. For what ? Because tannins and structure survive the dealcoholization process better than in other colors.
Merlot stands out from the crowd: it supports dealcoholization particularly well. The 128 Merlot without alcohol keeps its intense ruby color and its aromas of red fruits. For those looking for more complexity, certain vintages like the Pierre Zéro Prestige Merlot even go into barrels, developing aromas of ripe fruit with notes of spices and vanilla.
Pairings that work: → Red meats and stews → Cheese platters
→ Chocolate desserts (yes, it works!)
Alcohol-free white wine
Whites are the most diverse palette. From sparkling, fresh Sauvignon to rounder Chardonnay, you are spoiled for choice.
The star grape varieties: sauvignon, muscat, chardonnay, riesling. Pierre Zéro Chardonnay plays on the exotic map with its notes of peach and tropical fruits, all supported by an acidity that wakes you up.
→ Perfect with: seafood, fish, summer salads, white meats
Rosé without alcohol
Dealcoholized rosé is tricky to make. Dealcoholization can really destroy its structure and fruity aromas.
Fortunately, houses like Pierre Chavin are doing well. Moderato with sound rosé wine Merlot Gros Manseng uses southern grape varieties (Merlot, Gros Manseng) and distillation at low temperature to retain maximum aromas.
The idea: intense aromas of fresh red fruits with this tension of citrus fruits which gives all the charm of rosé.
Sparkling wines
To party without losing your mind, alcohol-free sparkling wines are a hit.
Two schools: either we start with a traditional sparkling wine that we de-alcoholize, or we directly create an alcohol-free base. Noughty offers two versions (white and rosé) with fine bubbles and very distinct profiles.
The must? French Bloom, voted best non-alcoholic sparkling wine in the world in 2023, with its notes of fresh berries and peach.
Wort-based drinks
These alternatives never ferment. We work directly with unfermented grape must.
The advantage? Zero alcohol, zero sulphites. Perfect for those allergic to sulphites. In addition, the polyphenols and resveratrols of the grape remain intact. Chavin stabilizes its products by pasteurization, avoiding preservatives.
In the end, each category has its moments: gastronomic meal, aperitif with friends, solo relaxation... There is necessarily a non-alcoholic wine that fits the occasion.
Is alcohol-free wine good for your health? We will disentangle the true from the false
Be careful, we are not going to sell you non-alcoholic wine as the new magic potion for Parisian bobos.
But the facts are there, and they are disturbing:
70% fewer calories, so what?
→ A standard bottle: 175 kcal compared to 580 kcal for a classic wine → Alcohol is 7 kcal/g: suffice to say that it is liquid fat → Potential savings: up to 500 kcal per day if you replace 3-4 glasses
Except: contrary to the bullshit we read everywhere, alcohol-free wine is NOT a syrup in disguise. Some references even contain less than 2g of sugar per 100ml - much less than your favorite "light" sodas.
The organic grape juice that you drink thinking it will do your body good? 15g of sugar per bottle compared to 3g for a dealcoholized red wine. Well done marketing scam.
Zero addiction, zero hangover
The obvious that needed to be pointed out: no ethanol = no physical addiction, period.
It works for: → Pregnant women who are tired of drinking sparkling water with meals → Drivers who want to participate in convivial moments
→ Athletes who do not want to hamper their performance → People undergoing treatment who cannot afford alcohol.
For “former alcoholics”, it is more complicated. Some experts say it helps, others that it can make you dip again. To be seen on a case by case basis, but at least the option exists.
Antioxidants survive dealcoholization
And there, it becomes interesting scientifically speaking.
Grape polyphenols resist the dealcoholization process. Result: you keep the anthocyanins and resveratrol without the ethanol that goes with them.
A study in Circulation Research proved it: → Decreased blood pressure with dealcoholized red wine → 20% lower risk of cardiac arrest → 14% reduced cardiovascular risk.
Resveratrol acts on blood circulation and protects the arteries. These benefits that were attributed to the “French Paradox” and red wine? Turns out it was the grape, not the alcohol.
Who would have believed it...
The risks of alcohol-free wine: what we don't tell you
Be careful, alcohol-free wine isn't all roses either.
A little tired of people selling you dreams without telling you about the problems that come with it. These “harmless” drinks sometimes hide less glamorous realities that you need to know.
Chemical additives: the hidden side of “natural” taste
To compensate for the absence of alcohol and reproduce the complex taste of traditional wine, manufacturers often throw in food additives which can screw up your intestinal microbiota!
Except that: → Artificial sweeteners, stabilizers and synthetic flavors are legion → Some analyzes reveal sweeteners, colors or preservatives not mentioned on the label → Sometimes even authorized doses are exceeded
Bravo to the food industry and its little secrets…
To limit the damage? Favor organic versions, generally less processed. And turn to experts like Sanzalc and their selections of non-alcoholic wines with onions.
Finally, flee the Grande Distrib because that’s where the lousy products are found (we’ll talk more about that below).
Methanol: the poisoned gift of conservatives
The majority of producers use cold sterilization with dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) as a preservative (E242). The problem ? When it is not controlled by experts and it deteriorates, it can turn into methanol, a very toxic substance.
Does wood alcohol mean anything to you?
Under the action of a liver enzyme, methanol becomes formaldehyde, classified as “proven carcinogenic substance for humans” by the IARC. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vision damage and, in some cases, death.
Particularly scary for pregnant women: fetal tissues are very sensitive to the effects of methanol. Fortunately, some brands like Pierre Zéro have opted for natural pasteurization.
The trap for “former alcoholics”
The most vicious danger of non-alcoholic wine concerns people who have struggled with addiction.
These drinks can act as relapse trigger : → Visual and taste similarity with traditional wine → Strategic placement near alcoholic beverages in store
→ Psychological association with past habits
Alcohol dependence creates a “specialization” in the brain. As with cycling, you never forget. Even without alcohol, holding a glass of wine can reactivate the neural circuits of consumption in some people.
This is why many addictologists advise against these products during withdrawal.
We're not saying this to scare you, but so that you hold all the cards.
How to choose the right alcohol-free wine?
So, now that we have demolished some preconceived ideas, how can we avoid coming across sea… in a bottle?
With the explosion of supply in 2025, scams are multiplying. Some producers rely on your lack of knowledge to pass on their dubious mixtures to you at the price of champagne.
Stop choosing randomly and learn to decipher what is hidden behind the labels.
Read the labels: alcohol content and sugar
The label is your best ally against marketing confusion and above all it is obligatory in the world of alcohol-free products!
First instinct: check the residual alcohol level. A “de-alcoholized” product must contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. For a total absence, look for the words "alc. < x% vol.".
Be wary of mentions of “non-alcoholic wine”, “no alcohol” or “0.0% vol.” - these terms are not even provided for by the regulations and can be completely bogus. The real official terms: “dealcoholized wine” (≤ 0.5%) or “partially dealcoholized wine” (> 0.5%).
Then and above all, the sugar content.
Contrary to the nonsense you are told, a good non-alcoholic wine is NOT necessarily sweet. The white wine Eden by Coralie de Boüard 0.0% - Cuvée 2024 is only 1 g of sugar per 100 ml and only 5 Kcal/100ml!!!
The best people avoid compensating for the absence of alcohol by throwing in sugar everywhere.
Favor high-end alcohol-free wines
Not all bottles are equal, period.
Premium alcohol-free wines can be recognized by:
→ The dealcoholization method : favor vacuum distillation at low temperature or reverse osmosis → The presence of grape varieties on the label - often a sign of aromatic quality → Theabsence of artificial flavors : good dealcoholized wines do not need it
→ The origin of the grape : the best come from recognized terroirs
Producers like Pierre Chavin with their Pierre Zéro Signature range use specific techniques to preserve organoleptic qualities.
Consider food and wine pairings
“A real piece of research,” as starred chef Jérôme Jaegle says.
Except it’s not that complicated: → Alcohol-free red wines : meats and cheeses → Alcohol-free white wines : fish, salads and cheeses
→ Alcohol-free rosés : aperitif, barbecue and light dishes
Serving temperature and appropriate glasses, as for a real wine. This “soft-pairing” adopted by Anne Sophie Pic or Alexandre Mazzia offers a “laboratory of ideas and blends of flavors”.
Quality alcohol-free wines avoid excess sugar which “can easily alter the tasting of the dish”. Some sommeliers are even exploring innovative pairings with apple and spinach extractions or hot kombuchas.
This is perhaps the future of wine: more creativity, less ethanol.
Where to find alcohol-free wine in 2025?
No more searching everywhere to find dealcoholized wine. The offer has exploded everywhere, but beware of the pitfalls…
🚫 Large supermarkets: Leclerc, Carrefour, Intermarché…
The big brands smelled the seam and rushed into the breach. Each chain now pushes its own brands:
→ Carrefour, Super U and Leclerc : Good News 🤢
→ Intermarché : Grain of Envy 🤢
→ Auchan : The Little Beret
→ Leclerc (also): Festalie and Festillant
In terms of prices, count between 2 and 4 euros for a standard 75cl bottle. For the more sought-after grape varieties, it goes up: around 7 euros for a white Chardonnay Le Petit Béret.
The advantage? It's everywhere and not expensive. At that price, it doesn't even pay the winegrower... The downside? The choice remains limited and the quality... let's just say it ends up straight in the sink from the first glass. 🤷🏻♂️
Specialized alcohol-free cellars
For those who want advice and choice, several physical cellars have opened their doors in France. References: Apéro Zéro in Montreal, Quebec, Sanzalc in Orchies and Lille.
These shops don't just line up bottles. There you will find real experts capable of guiding you according to your tastes and your occasions.
The only downside: less geographically accessible and generally more expensive than in supermarkets.
Online: Sanzalc, Nicolas and the others
The web is the ideal hunting ground to unearth that rare gem. Nicholas, the historic brand, offers a very small dedicated section with in-store collection — practical to avoid shipping costs.
Sanzalc, the first 100% alcohol-free cellar north of Paris, is a hit with more than 500 references. Prices start at just €2.00 — difficult to make more accessible.
The advantage of the internet? Huge choice, easy comparison, customer reviews. The downside? Impossible to taste before buying. This is why Sanzalc strives to open alcohol-free cellars throughout the country via its Franchise program.
Storing and serving alcohol-free wine: no fuss, just common sense
These bottles deserve the same respect as a classic wine.
Except that they are more fragile once opened.
Shelf life after opening
Without alcohol to act as natural preservatives, your dealcoholized wines turn faster:
- Dealcoholized red wines : 3 to 5 days after opening
- Alcohol-free white and rosé wines : about 5 days in the refrigerator
- Dealcoholized sparkling wines : only 1 to 2 days because the bubbles escape quickly
The trick? Head to the fridge systematically after opening. Cold slows down oxidation and preserves aromas. For sparkling wines, a special champagne cork keeps the pressure. For others, a vacuum pump will do the job just fine.
Ideal serving temperature
As for real wines:
- Red wines : between 14°C and 16°C
- White and rosé wines : between 8°C and 10°C
- Sparkling wines : very cool, between 6°C and 8°C
The right glass for the right occasion
Even without alcohol, the drink counts. Wide glasses for the reds, narrower for the whites, flutes for the bubbles. This attention really changes the perception of taste.
In short, treat your non-alcoholic wine as it deserves: with respect.
Alcohol-free wine in 2025: we told you the truth
Non-alcoholic wine is over, the days when it was a fool's errand for abstainers.
Dealcoholization techniques have exploded in recent years. Vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis... producers now know how to preserve what matters: aromas, structure, tannins. Result ? Dealcoholized wines that no longer have anything to envy of the ethyl versions.
Red, white, rosé, sparkling: the 2025 offer covers all tastes and all occasions.
On the health side, the benefits are clear: → 70% fewer calories → Preserved antioxidant polyphenols → Zero risk of addiction
Be careful of the pitfalls: hidden additives, methanol in certain preservatives, and beware of former alcoholics for whom these products can trigger a relapse.
To choose well? Read the labels, avoid the first price full of sweeteners, and favor high-end products that respect the grapes.
The good news: no more searching for hours. Carrefour, Leclerc, specialized cellars, online stores... the offer has become more widespread everywhere but beware of scams!
At Sanzalc, we've always said it: the real pleasure is the taste... not the alcohol.
WE ARE NOT AGAINST ALCOHOL, WE ARE FOR HAVING A CHOICE between drinking ethanol and enjoying grapes without the side effects.
2025 marks a break: no more choosing between pleasure and health. We can finally have both.
👉 For wines without alcohol, but not without flavor: discover our selection.
Key takeaways
Discover the essential points for mastering the world of alcohol-free wine and making the best choices in 2025.
• Alcohol-free wine contains less than 0.5% alcohol and retains 70% fewer calories while preserving complex aromas thanks to modern dealcoholization techniques.
• Three main methods exist: vacuum evaporation, reverse osmosis and blends without fermentation, each influencing the final taste differently.
• Choose premium wines without artificial flavors and check labels to avoid additives and methanol present in some preservatives.
• The offer has become more democratized: available in supermarkets (Carrefour, Leclerc) or in specialized alcohol-free cellars like Sanzalc for more choice.
• Store in a cool place after opening (3-5 days maximum) and serve at the correct temperatures: 14-16°C for reds, 8-10°C for whites.
This oenological revolution now makes it possible to reconcile taste pleasure and a healthy lifestyle, with options for all tastes and all occasions. Antioxidant polyphenols remain present, even providing cardiovascular benefits without the risks associated with alcohol.
FAQs
Q1. What are the health benefits of alcohol-free wine? Alcohol-free wine contains fewer calories, presents no risk of addiction and retains antioxidant polyphenols beneficial for cardiovascular health. It allows you to enjoy the taste of wine without the negative effects of alcohol.
Q2. How is alcohol-free wine made? There are three main methods: vacuum evaporation, reverse osmosis and fermentation-free blends. These techniques aim to preserve the aromas and structure of the wine while eliminating alcohol.
Q3. Where can you buy alcohol-free wine in 2025? Alcohol-free wine is now widely available in supermarkets such as Carrefour and Leclerc, in specialized cellars, and on dedicated online sites such as Sanzalc.
Q4. How to choose the right alcohol-free wine? It is important to read labels carefully to check the residual alcohol level and sugar content. Choose high-end wines without artificial flavors and consider wine pairings specific to these drinks.
Q5. How long can you keep alcohol-free wine after opening? The shelf life varies depending on the type of wine: 3 to 5 days for reds, around 5 days for whites and rosés in the refrigerator, and only 1 to 2 days for sparkling wines. It is recommended to keep them cool after opening.
