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Dry January 2026: Critics Elevate Zero‑Alcohol Sparkling and New‑Tech Wines

Critics report clear quality gains driven by modern de‑alcoholisation.

Overview

  • A Times tasting of more than 50 de‑alcoholised wines finds several credible options, with sparkling styles delivering the most convincing lift and length.
  • Recommended bottles include Festillant and Tilimuqui for fizz, Zeno’s Viura and Tempranillo‑Cabernet, Divin’s Sauvignon Blanc, Wednesday’s Domaine Sanguine, Lysegron sparkling tea and Jukes’ Sparkling Rosé.
  • Reds remain the hardest to replicate convincingly, though Zeno’s fuller red and Wednesday’s Domaine show notable progress versus overly sweet or hollow rivals.
  • Producers are increasingly using lower‑temperature vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis and spinning cone columns to better preserve aroma, texture and balance.
  • Broader Dry January choices now span botanical aperitifs, 0.0 spirits and beers, with demand reflected in UK no‑/low consumption doubling last year and Athletic Brewery’s tie‑up with Arsenal.