As we kick off the new year, many of us are considering taking on healthier habits in 2025. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go completely dry this January.
Wine Growers Canada is encouraging you to find The Right Amount, which means enjoying wine mindfully as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Joining us now with more is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com.
Welcome, Natalie.
Great to be back with you!
For those looking to enjoy wine responsibly in the new year, what should they know?
Whether it’s low-alcohol, low-calorie, low-sugar, or a smaller pour, you can still enjoy wine without compromising your health goals. It’s about choosing the right amount for you.
Can you give us an example of a great low-alcohol wine?
Quails’ Gate Dry Riesling VQA
Okanagan Valley, B.C.
This terrific Dry Riesling from Quails’ Gate, British Columbia has only 12% alcohol as compared to most table wines that clock in at 13 to 14% alcohol. Some wines from warmer climates can even reach 16% to 17%.
This Riesling bursting with aromas of lemongrass and lime zest. It would be perfect with roast chicken or, dare I say, quail.
More consumers are opting for low-calorie wines. Can you give us an example please?
Westcott Vineyards Brilliant Sparkling Rosé VQA
Niagara, Ontario
Two ingredients contribute calories in wine: sugar and alcohol. So look for wines that are that dry, not sweet, and low in alcohol like this Brilliant Sparkling Rosé from Westcott Vineyards in Niagara, which is both dry and has only 12.5% alcohol. It’s a lovely expression of Niagara sparkling rosé with aromas of fresh field strawberries.
Mouth-watering and juicy. Perfect on its own or as a companion to shellfish.
Others are choosing low-sugar wines. Can you tell us about the one you have for us?
Trius Sauvignon Blanc VQA
Niagara, Ontario
I have the zesty Trius Sauvignon Blanc with only 3.4 grams of sugar per litre. Wines under 5 grams per litre are considered extra dry. In liquor stores, you’ll see XD on the shelf card with information about the wine.
The range goes all the way up to sweet or S with 45 grams of sugar per liter or more.
The Trius Sauvignon Blanc will wake up your senses with juicy citrus aromas and flavours. It’s perfect for seafood or field greens.
What about smaller pours?
Wayne Gretzky Cabernet Merlot VQA
Niagara, Ontario
Yes, we need to rethink those fish-bowl-sized glasses that can actually hold an entire bottle of wine. Then when you’re done, you can use them for a steam facial.
The size of the pour matters as much as the sugar, alcohol and caloric content. That’s why I love the half bottle size of the Wayne Gretzky Cabernet Merlot.
It’s 375 ml, so it has roughly two and half glasses of wine. That’s perfect for when you and a friend may only want a glass of wine and don’t want to open a standard 750 ml bottle.
This smooth, full-bodied red wine blend from Niagara has seductive aromas of ripe dark berries and plums.
Hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky, donates his proceeds from every bottle sold to the Wayne Gretzky Foundation which funds children’s hockey programs across the country, builds rinks, and donates equipment. It’s a wine that tastes good and does good for the community.
How can people find out more about what’s in their glass?
Standard Drink Calculator www.therightamount.ca
The Standard Drink Calculator helps you better understand what a standard drink is. The shape of the glass or volume of pour can vary between your home, restaurant, and a bar.
A standard drink is based on the alcohol content and the volume of the pour served. The higher the alcohol content, the smaller the size of the standard drink.
It’s easy to measure your wine consumption by counting “standard” drinks to help you support a balanced and healthy lifestyle. You can find it at the therightamount.ca.
Where can we find you and these wines online?
On Instagram, you can find me posting wine reviews and tips at:
Online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
Posted with permission of CHCH.
