SIX EXCUSES FOR A SOBER OCTOBER

1

This non-alcoholic sparkling wine makes a decent swap for cava. Tropical aromas abound alongside flavours of apple and pear with a fresh acidity. Available from Amazon, Wise Bartender, The Alcohol Free Company, Sovereign Wines, Macknade Fine Foods, North Coast Wine Company and Reserve Wines.

Vallformosa NV (£5.99, 0%) 2 Belle & Co. Sparkling White (£3.99, 0%)

A low cal, gluten free and vegan sparkling wine alternative, that manages to remain refreshing, bubbly and relatively flavoursome, helped by an infusion of green tea. Available from Asda, Iceland, Ocado, Morrisons and Amazon.

3 Low Alc Cabernet Tempranillo (£3, 0.5%)

A nother no-alcohol alternative that belies its 0.5% ABV. This blend of Spanish cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo delivers a punchy burst of red fruit and spices, yet remains light and well balanced. Available from the Co-op.

4 Vilarnau Organic Rosé (£7.99, 0%)

A sparkling rosé from Spain’s Sant Sadurní d’Anoia region using Garnacha grapes and delivering generous notes of strawberries, cherry and tropical fruit. Available from Harvey Nichols and Amazon.

5 Nozeco (£3.75, 0.5%)

This French no-alcohol alternative is brilliantly named if nothing else. Thankfully, it’s also a pleasurable drinking experience. Fruity and well balanced, just the right amount of fizz. And far, far cheaper than prosecco. Available from Sainsbury’s.

6 The Very Cautious One (£5, 0%)

This blend of riesling and gewürztraminer grapes makes for an aromatic wine with hints of citrus and roses on the nose. And a long, satisfying finish. Available from Ocado.