Naturally low-alcohol wines for January

If you over-indulged during the festive season, but can’t quite face the idea of a Dry January, try seeking out wine styles that are naturally lower in alcohol. Cooler climates can produce wines with an abv below 12%, as grapes grown there don’t ever become excessively ripe. Countries such as Germany, Austria, England and New Zealand’s South Island are a good place to start. But also think about wines from coastal regions such as Rías Baixas on Spain’s Atlantic coast or Oregon’s Willamette Valley on the Pacific coast. White wines, including sparkling styles such as Champagne and Prosecco, are generally lowest in alcohol; but red grapes such as Pinot Noir, Gamay and Schiava are suited to producing lower abv wines (around 13%) in cooler climates.

Two to try

BALFOUR WINERY, HUSH HEATH ESTATE,

SKYE’S CHARDONNAY, ENGLAND 2019 90

£17.99 Grape Britannia

Produced from Burgundy clones, this unoaked Chardonnay has a creaminess to the texture thanks to extended lees ageing. Fresh citrus nose with a hint of smoke, followed by a honeyed lemon palate with brisk acidity and touches of fresh lime and pear. Drink 2022-2024 Alcohol 12%

NEUDORF, TOM’S BLOCK PINOT NOIR, NELSON,

NEW ZEALAND 2017 91

£19 The Wine Society

Nelson isn't as famous as some other regions in New Zealand for Pinot Noir, but Neudorf is a top name. Tim and Judy Finn have produced a beautiful wine; great value for a NZ Pinot at this level. It has some age, but bright red fruit is still there in abundance, with structure and complexity, and some forest floor character. Aromatic, focused and linear, it's food-friendly too. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 13.5%