January 17, 2024 - 0 comments
As strong defenders of the natural wine movement, we're on the search for naturally fermented wine alternatives that are crafted by genuine artisans.
Non-alcoholic wines undergo a process where the alcohol is removed. This typically occurs through two methods: vacuum distillation, wherein the wine is heated until the alcohol evaporates, or reverse osmosis, a significant intervention commonly employed by conventional winemakers to filter the wine. Both have a hugely negative effect on the wine.
So, what are the alternatives? Luckily there is starting to be a wide range of naturally fermented proxy wines and wine alternatives. These drinks are not intended to replicate wine but rather to mimic the experience and flavors by mixing different ingredients together.
Hailing from Italy, Feral employs lactic fermentation to elevate the humble beetroot into an extraordinary drink. Their meticulous craft involves skillfully blending ferments with macerated ingredients, including hops, Szechuan Pepper, Ginger, Juniper, and other carefully sourced organic components. This artful fusion results in a drink that boasts aromas, textures, and flavors akin to the diverse spectrum found in natural wines. Delicious!
In Berlin, Bouche has dedicated years to perfecting the art of Kombucha fermentation, serving as the foundation for their exceptional drinks. They believe that the primary fermentation process is the linchpin in achieving the ideal acidity. Building upon this foundation, they introduce complex elements such as smoky oolong, fig leaf, meadowsweet, and blackberry leaves to create their proxies and pet nats. The culmination of these efforts is a deeply satisfying and complex beverage.
These are just two of a wide array of exciting new drinks that are surfacing. If you are in Paris we recommend exploring le Paon Qui Boit a shop dedicated to non alcoholic drinks or Muri and Arensbak both from Copenhagen, Three Spirit's blurred vines from the UK, TÖST in the US amongst many others. You can even follow the Sober Sommilier Benoît d’Onofrio.
Our advice, steer clear of 'non-alcoholic' wines and take a deep dive into naturally fermented wine alternatives. Cheers!
