Non-Alcoholic Wine To Elevate Your Thanksgiving Feast

Here are the key advantages:

Health Benefits:

1. Heart Health: Non-alcoholic wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by approximately 14% and strokes by up to 20% due to its antioxidant content, particularly polyphenols
2. Lower Blood Pressure:: Studies indicate that non-alcoholic red wine can boost nitric oxide levels, which helps lower blood pressure in men
3. Reduced Risk of Blood Clots: The phytochemicals present in non-alcoholic wine may help reduce the risk of blood clots, promoting better circulation
4. Fewer Calories: Non-alcoholic wines typically contain 3-4 times fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts, making them a suitable choice for those monitoring their caloric intake
5. Neurological Benefits: Preliminary research suggests that components in non-alcoholic wine may slow the progression of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
6. Hangover-Free Enjoyment: Enjoying non-alcoholic wine allows you to partake in festivities without the risk of hangovers, enabling you to feel refreshed the next day

Social and Culinary Aspects:

• Inclusive Option: Non-alcoholic wines provide a sophisticated alternative for guests who abstain from alcohol for various reasons, such as pregnancy or health concerns.
• Food Pairing: Many modern non-alcoholic wines are crafted to complement traditional Thanksgiving dishes, enhancing flavors without overwhelming them. Options like buttery whites or fruity reds can pair beautifully with turkey and sides
• Variety of Choices: The market now offers a wide range of non-alcoholic wines that mimic traditional flavors, from fruity reds to crisp whites, making it easier to find something that suits everyone’s palate

Here are some key considerations and recommendations:

Understanding Non-Alcoholic Wines

• Non-alcoholic wines typically start as fully fermented wines before undergoing processes to remove the alcohol. The term is “de-alcoholized.”  You may see this term on wine labels.  Common methods include vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, and spinning cone columns. These techniques aim to preserve the wine’s original flavors and aromas, although achieving the same mouthfeel and body as traditional wines can be challenging.

Thanksgiving meals often feature a variety of flavors, from roasted turkey to rich sides and desserts. When selecting non-alcoholic wines, consider the following pairings:

• Sparkling Options: Start the day with a low-sugar bubbly that can be served with every course, including dessert.  Just make sure the dessert highlights lemon or lime and is more tart than sweet.
• White Wines: Look for bright, acidic and low in sugar options like a Sauvignon Blanc.  This variety often has crisp, gooseberry or apple and herbal notes that complement turkey and stuffing.
• Red Wines: Choose medium-bodied reds with decent acidity and fruitiness. A non-alcoholic Zinfandel possesses flavors of dark berries that can pair nicely with roasted turkey and side dishes, especially a low carb cranberry sauce.

• Taste Test: Prior to Thanksgiving, sample a few low-sugar non-alcoholic wines to find those that pass the “second glass” test—indicating they are enjoyable enough to drink more than once.
• Watch acidity:  While non-alc bubblies, whites and roses taste delicious with zinging acidity, this can sometimes be troublesome for older folks.
• Consider Flavor Profiles: Look for wines that offer complexity without excessive sweetness, which can clash with savory dishes.
• Explore Variety: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different styles and blends to suit your meal’s diverse flavors.

What Are The Best Non-Alcoholic Bubblies For Low-Carb Thanksgiving?

To successfully pair NA white wine with low-carb Thanksgiving appetizers, consider the following guidelines and appetizer options that complement the wine’s flavors while keeping carbs in check.

Choosing the Right NA White Wine:

Characteristics to Look For:

• Dry Varieties: Opt for dry non-alcoholic wines, as they typically have lower sugar and carb content. Wines like NA Sauvignon Blanc and NA Pinot Grigio are excellent choices due to their crispness and acidity, which can enhance various flavors in food
• Fruitiness: Non-alc wines with fruity notes can pair well with savory appetizers, adding a refreshing contrast. Look for options that highlight citrus or stone fruit flavors

Low-Carb Appetizer Options:

Here are some low-carb appetizers that pair well with low-sugar NA white wines:

1. Charcuterie Board:
   • Include meats like salami and prosciutto, along with cheeses such as cheddar or gouda. Avoid high-carb crackers; instead, use Keto parmesan crackers, almond flour crackers and nuts or olives as accompaniments.
2. Deviled Eggs:
   • A classic choice, deviled eggs are low in carbs and rich in flavor. They pair nicely with the acidity of an NA white wine, balancing richness with freshness
3. Roasted Shrimp Cocktail:
   • Serve shrimp with a lemon-horseradish aioli. The tangy lemon tones will complement the crispness of an NA white wine perfectly
4. Balsamic Watermelon Feta Salad:
   • This refreshing salad combines juicy watermelon, feta cheese, and a balsamic dressing, providing a sweet yet tangy profile that works well with a white with a hint of sweetness.  You need the sweetness in the NA wine to balance the watermelon sweetness.
5. BLT Egglets:
   • These portable bites combine bacon, lettuce, and tomato flavors in an egg base, offering a savory option that pairs well with the lightness of white wine
6. Salami Chips:
   • Bake salami until crispy for a crunchy snack that adds a salty element to your pairing. The saltiness in the chips nicely offsets the crisp acidity in an NA white.

Tips for Pairing:

• Balance Flavors: Aim for a balance between the NA wine’s acidity and the tanginess and/or saltiness  of the appetizer.
• Temperature Matters: Serve your NA white wine chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities, especially when paired with savory dishes.
• Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try different combinations to find what works best for your palate..

Here’s how to incorporate non-alcoholic wine into your festive baking and dessert presentations:

1. Infusion in Baking:

• Keto Chocolate Cake: Incorporate a splash of low-sugar non-alcoholic red wine into your batter for a richer chocolate flavor. This works particularly well with flourless cakes that rely on fewer ingredients
• Fruit-Based Desserts: Use white, low-sugar non-alcoholic wine to poach low glycemic fruits like pears or apples, enhancing their sweetness and adding a festive touch.

2. As a Flavoring Agent:

• Sauces and Reductions: Create a wine reduction sauce using low-sugar, non-alcoholic wine to drizzle over low-carb cheesecakes or panna cotta. This adds a sophisticated element without the alcohol content
• Marinades for Fruit Salads: Toss low glycemic, fresh berries in a mixture of low-sugar non-alcoholic sparkling wine and herbs for a refreshing salad that pairs beautifully with creamy desserts. Strawberries soaked in ONES zero carb and zero sugar sparkling wine seasoned with Celtic salt and black pepper is a treat!
• ONES Sparkling White: 9.6 calories and 0g sugar per 100mL (Click this link for a 10% discount on ALL Ones Sparkling Wines)
• ONES Sparkling Rosé: 7.2 calories and 0g sugar per 100mL (Click this link for a 10% discount on ALL Ones Sparkling Wines)
• ONES Sparkling Red: 7.2 calories and 0g sugar per 100mL (Click this link for a 10% discount on ALL Ones Sparkling Wines)

3. Mocktail Pairings

• Serve your low-carb desserts alongside mocktails made with low-sugar non-alcoholic wine. For example, mix sparkling non-alcoholic wine with fresh berries and mint for a refreshing drink that complements your cheese tray.  Wine, cheese, and low sugar fruit taste wonderful together.

Sparkling Wine:

• Non-alcoholic sparkling wine should be served well-chilled, between 6-8°C (43-46°F)
• This cold temperature helps preserve the bubbles and crispness.

White and Rosé Wines:

• White and rosé non-alcoholic wines are best served chilled, around 7-13°C (45-55°F)
• Lighter whites can be served on the cooler end of this range, while fuller-bodied whites can be served slightly warmer.

Light, Fruity Reds (e.g. Pinot Noir):

• Light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir should be served slightly cooler than room temperature, around 12-13°C (54-55°F)
• This cooler temperature helps enhance their fresh fruit flavors.

Full-Bodied Reds:

• Full-bodied red wines are best served at “cellar temperature,” which is 15-18°C (59-64°F)
• This is slightly cooler than typical room temperature.To achieve these temperatures, you can chill whites and rosés in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving. For reds, 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator should suffice to bring them to the proper temperature.
• Remember that wines will warm up in the glass, so it’s often better to start slightly cooler than the ideal serving temperature.

Here’s how to set up a memorable event that caters to all guests, including those who prefer not to drink alcohol: