The 8 Best Naturally Low-Alcohol White Wines, According to Experts
Consumer demand for lighter, fresher wines has put the spotlight on naturally low-alcohol whites. Here are eight bottles wine professionals across the country recommend.
As more consumers seek lighter, fresher styles that still deliver character and depth, lower-alcohol wines are gaining momentum. White wines in particular are driving interest, as many grape varieties and styles naturally lend themselves to lower ABV.
Claus Preisinger Kalkundkiesel Blanc 2022, Burgenland, Austria; $29
Selected by Katy Rogers and Tamara Bingham, wine consultants, Likely Story Strategies, Pismo Beach, California
Rogers and Bingham work closely with wineries, wine bars, and hospitality brands across California and beyond through their consultancy Likely Story Strategies. While focusing on wine trends, production, and what resonates with both buyers and consumers, the pair has noticed an uptick in interest in low-alcohol white wines in their own business. At the moment, they are loving lower-ABV bottles from Austria, in particular, Claus Preisinger’s wines.
“Kalkundkiesel, which translates to ‘lime and gravel’ is a nod to the soils it’s grown in,” says Rogers. “This white is a certified biodynamic natural wine blending 60 percent Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), 30 percent Grüner Veltliner, and small amounts of Muskateller and Welschriesling.”
Bingham notes the wine’s “wildly food-friendly” undertones and 11% ABV. “Think stone fruit, delicate florals from the Muskateller, and the clean minerality you’d expect from limestone-and-gravel soils,” she says. “Austria’s cooler climate does exactly what you want here: keeps the sugar lower, the acidity bright, and the ABV in check without any intervention.”