Best Alcohol-Free Red Wine

Alcohol-free red wine is usually made as conventional red wine before the alcohol is removed. Some bottles are 0.0%, while others retain a very small amount of alcohol.

Expect red fruit, black fruit, spice, herbs and sometimes oak-like notes. The main difference is usually a lighter body and softer finish.

The best option depends on whether you prefer softer Merlot, spicier Shiraz, Cabernet blends or something light and fruity. MyDryBar ranks reviewed bottles using a 100-point score.

Removing alcohol reduces body, warmth and texture. Producers need to preserve tannin, fruit and acidity without leaving the wine thin or overly sweet.

Some bottles are 0.0%, while others can contain up to 0.5% ABV. Check the review and product label if you need to avoid alcohol completely.

Some examples are sweeter than conventional red wine. Better wines balance sweetness with acidity, tannin and savoury flavours.

Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and softer red blends can work reasonably well.

It is usually best served slightly cool, around cellar temperature. Gentle chilling can improve freshness and reduce perceived sweetness.

A short period in the glass can help aromas open up, but long decanting is rarely necessary.

Try pizza, pasta, mushroom dishes, roast vegetables, burgers, lasagne, mild cheeses and lighter meat dishes.

It is often lower in calories because alcohol contains significant energy, although sugar levels vary between brands.

Some wines are vegan, but not all. Check the individual review or producer information.

Wine is normally gluten-free, but anyone with a medical requirement should check the current allergen information.

Store it in the fridge with a stopper and aim to drink it within two to four days.

Specialist alcohol-free retailers, supermarkets and online wine merchants offer the widest choice. Individual MyDryBar reviews include buying options.

MyDryBar considers aroma, flavour, body, balance, authenticity, finish, value and whether James would buy it again.