In the ever-evolving landscape of the UK drinks industry, a new trend is emerging that challenges traditional perceptions of wine. While session ales have long been a staple for those seeking lower-alcohol beer options, the concept of session wines is now making a significant splash. Typically, wine boasts an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 11% to 15%, which can be too intense for many social occasions or health-conscious consumers. Enter Future Château, a pioneering brand that has developed a range of wines with just 5% ABV, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a glass or even three without the risk of feeling overly intoxicated. This innovative offering includes red, white, and sparkling varieties, catering to diverse palates and preferences.
The Science Behind the Innovation
The mastermind behind Future Château is Tom Benn, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in food and beverage start-ups such as Pip & Nut and Naked Wines. In 2020, Benn embarked on a ambitious journey to create his own wine, dedicating five years to research across three continents. His quest focused on producing low ABV wine that doesn't compromise on depth or flavour, a common pitfall in many alcohol-reduced beverages. Benn explored traditional methods like making piquette in South Africa, an ancient technique using grape skins, and investigated modern dealcoholisation processes in France. Crucially, he developed a natural process that avoids heat or chemicals, ensuring the wine remains low in sugar and calories—a notable achievement as many lower-alcohol drinks tend to have higher sugar content to mask flavour losses.
The Purpose and Benefits
For those who fancy a drink but dread the aftermath of a hangover, Future Château presents a compelling solution. Each 125ml glass contains just 0.5 alcohol units and 33 calories, a stark contrast to conventional wine, which typically has 1.5 units and 100 calories per serving. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals looking to monitor their alcohol intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing the pleasure of a good wine. The brand emphasises that you can indulge in a tipple while keeping an eye on both your units and your waistline, appealing to a growing demographic of health-aware consumers in the UK.
The Taste Test and Reality
One of the biggest criticisms of low- and no-alcohol wines is their often lacklustre taste, with many resembling fruit squash and leaving an unpleasant aftertaste. Future Château aims to break this stereotype by offering a product that is vegan, low in alcohol, and low in sugar, yet still delivers the dry wine experience that connoisseurs expect. The red variant, in particular, boasts a proper tannin flavour, adding to its authenticity. Personal testimonials, including from this reviewer, attest to no sore heads even after consuming a full bottle, highlighting its gentle impact. However, it's worth noting that this quality comes at a price—Future Château is not as affordable as mid-range options from supermarkets like Tesco, positioning it as a premium choice in the market.
Our Rating
Rating: A promising innovation that successfully blends low alcohol content with genuine wine taste, though its higher cost may be a barrier for some consumers.
