As we kick off the new year, many of us are looking to make healthier choices. There’s a growing trend called Dry-ish January for those who want to moderate their alcohol intake without giving up on flavour.
Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie!
Great to be back with you! I’m excited to share these wines that prove less can be more with wines of elegance rather than power.
How big is this trend?
Market research shows that 46% of Gen Z participated in Dry January last year, with Millennials and Gen X at about 20%. Even more are choosing “Dry-ish” or “Damp” January with low alcohol wines. 94% of those who buy alcohol-free wines also buy traditional wines. This category is expected to reach US $30 billion this year.
Let’s start with something bubbly. What do you have for us?
Nozeco Sparkling
France
Nozeco Rose Sparkling
France
This dealcoholized sparkling wine is made from 90% Muscat and 10% Chardonnay. It offers beautiful aromas of ripe peach and pear. Their Rosé Sparkling offers lovely notes of field strawberries.
Feel free to smell or taste.
I’d pair these with a zesty citrus-glazed grilled shrimp skewer drizzled with fresh herbs and a hint of chili, served on a bed of warm quinoa pilaf studded with roasted pine nuts.
I understand Kim Crawford has entered this category?
Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand
Kim Crawford Illuminate Rosé
New Zealand
Big time! Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc has only 7% alcohol but still all those juicy citrus and tropical fruit flavours that wake up your taste buds and make them do a happy dance.
The Illuminate Rosé is bursting with notes of watermelon and field berries that will bring back summer, even on a cold January day.
Feel free to smell or taste.
I’d pair them with a delicate pan-seared herb-crusted cod fillet, served with steamed asparagus tips and a light lemon-caper sauce that enhances the wine’s crisp acidity.
For red wine lovers, what options do we have?
Meiomi Bright Pinot Noir
California
Meiomi’s new Bright Pinot Noir has just 8% alcohol and has the same rich, vibrant flavours of strawberry jam and toasty mocha as their classic Pinot.
Feel free to smell or taste.
It’s smooth and full-bodied, perfect for cedar-planked wild salmon with a maple-miso glaze, accompanied by roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled vegetables, all kissed with a touch of smoke.
What about some lighter options?
XOXO Light Pinot Grigio
Ontario, Canada
This light and lively XOXO Light Pinot Grigio brings fresh-picked peach and nectarine aromas to your glass.
Feel free to smell or taste.
I’d pair this with a Mediterranean-inspired grilled vegetable and quinoa bowl topped with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and a light lemony vinaigrette that makes every bite sing with flavor.
What’s next?
Honest Lot Cabernet Sauvignon
Ontario, Canada
The Honest Lot Cabernet Sauvignon is a revelation with zero grams of sugar perving, but packed with dark fruit flavours. It’s so balanced, it could teach a yoga class.
Feel free to smell or taste.
I’d pair this with a perfectly seared steak crusted with sesame seeds and pink peppercorns, served alongside roasted rainbow carrots drizzled with honey and fresh thyme.
What are these final two wines?
Peller Estates Light Pinot Grigio
Ontario
The Peller Estates Light Pinot Grigio has melon and pink grapefruit aromas that leap from the glass.
Feel free to smell or taste.
I’d pair this with a delicate lemon-herb roasted chicken breast served on a bed of ancient grains with roasted butternut squash and sage, finished with a light white wine reduction sauce.
Peller Estates Light Cabernet Sauvignon
Ontario
The Peller Estates Light Cabernet Sauvignon offers an enticing bouquet of black cherry and plums.
Feel free to smell or taste.
I’d pair this with a spice-rubbed grilled portobello mushroom cap topped with goat cheese and fresh herbs, served with a quinoa-kale salad dressed in a light balsamic vinaigrette.
Natalie, these suggestions are fantastic! Any final words of wisdom for our viewers?
Here’s to new beginnings and better choices, without sacrificing taste or pleasure!
Thank you, Natalie! 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 CTV.
