Noughty Rouge Non-Alcoholic Red Wine Review
A low-calorie dealcoholised Syrah with convincing red-wine looks but a sharp, vinegary flavour that MyDryBar found extremely difficult to enjoy.
Pros
Cons
Noughty Rouge Non-Alcoholic Red Wine Review
Noughty Rouge certainly makes a strong first impression in the glass. It pours a deep ruby-red colour and looks much like a conventional Syrah, while the aroma carries recognisable red-fruit notes. Unfortunately, the drinking experience does not live up to that promising appearance.
The first sip was immediately disappointing. The flavour came across as sharp, vinegary and medicinal, with an unpleasant background taste that made the wine very difficult to enjoy. Rather than delivering the rich fruit and gentle spice expected from Syrah, it felt harsh and unbalanced.
There are some positives from a nutritional perspective. Noughty Rouge is low in calories, contains relatively little residual sugar and is suitable for vegan and gluten-free drinkers. It is also made from South African Syrah grapes and dealcoholised using spun-cone technology under vacuum at a low temperature.
However, those technical and nutritional strengths cannot overcome the flavour. MyDryBar found this one of the weakest alcohol-free red wines reviewed, and there are considerably better alternatives available for anyone looking for a convincing non-alcoholic red.
Best Served & Pairing
Best served:
Serve slightly chilled at around 12–16°C. A short period in the fridge can soften the sharper edges and make the fruit aromas more noticeable. Use a standard red-wine glass and allow it a few minutes to breathe before drinking.
Pairing recommendation:
If serving Noughty Rouge with food, pair it with dishes that can stand up to its acidity, such as tomato-based pasta, vegetable pizza, roasted mushrooms, lentil dishes or mild cheeses. Avoid very delicate dishes, as the wine’s sharp character may dominate them.
Where to buy alcohol-free wines
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| Drink | Score | Style | ABV | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noughty Rouge | 35 | Dealcoholised South African Syrah | 0.5% | Convincing appearance but an unpleasant sharp and vinegary flavour |
| Oddbird Domaine de la Prade | 55 | Merlot and Shiraz blend | 0.0% | A more drinkable red, although it still has an unusual background taste |
| Eisberg Cabernet Sauvignon | 54 | Cabernet Sauvignon | 0.0% | Better berry flavour, but too watery and lacking body |
| Torres Natureo Syrah | 46 | Dealcoholised Syrah | 0.0% | A stronger alternative, though still not a convincing replacement for red wine |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Noughty Rouge?
Noughty Rouge is a dealcoholised red wine made from 100% Syrah grapes grown in South Africa.
Is Noughty Rouge completely alcohol-free?
No. The current producer information lists Noughty Rouge at 0.5% ABV, so it is very low in alcohol rather than strictly 0.0%.
What does Noughty Rouge taste like?
MyDryBar found it sharply acidic, vinegary and medicinal, with an unpleasant background flavour that overwhelmed the red-fruit character.
Does Noughty Rouge taste like normal red wine?
It looks convincing and has recognisable red-fruit aromas, but MyDryBar did not find the flavour or body comparable to an enjoyable conventional red wine.
Which grapes are used in Noughty Rouge?
It is made from 100% Syrah grapes grown in dry-farmed vineyards in Darling, South Africa.
How is Noughty Rouge made?
The wine is fermented normally and then dealcoholised using spun-cone technology under vacuum and at a low temperature.
How many calories are in Noughty Rouge?
It contains approximately 14 calories per 100ml, or around 105 calories in a 750ml bottle.
How much sugar is in Noughty Rouge?
The producer lists approximately 2.5g of residual sugar per 100ml.
Is Noughty Rouge vegan?
Yes. Noughty markets its wines as suitable for vegans.
Is Noughty Rouge gluten-free?
Yes. The producer states that Noughty Rouge is gluten-free.
Does Noughty Rouge contain sulphites?
Yes. The producer states that it contains less than 150mg of sulphites per litre.
How should Noughty Rouge be served?
Serve it slightly chilled at approximately 12–16°C in a red-wine glass.
What food pairs with Noughty Rouge?
Its acidity is best matched with tomato-based pasta, vegetable pizza, mushrooms, lentil dishes or mild cheeses.
Where is Noughty Rouge made?
The Syrah grapes are grown in Darling, South Africa. Noughty is the alcohol-free wine brand created by Thomson & Scott.
Is Noughty Rouge worth buying?
MyDryBar does not recommend it. The appearance and nutritional profile are positives, but the sharp and unpleasant flavour resulted in a score of only 35 out of 100.
⭐ MyDryBar Final Verdict
Noughty Rouge is visually convincing and offers recognisable red-fruit aromas, but the flavour is far too sharp, vinegary and medicinal to make it enjoyable. The low calorie and sugar content, together with its vegan and gluten-free credentials, are useful positives, but they do not compensate for the taste.
Anyone looking for an alcohol-free red wine should consider one of the higher-scoring alternatives in the comparison table instead.
Score: 35/100 – Poor
Would I buy it again? No.
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