As we step into one other new 12 months, many wine fans embrace a extra conscious method to ingesting, whether or not by Dry January or just in search of some steadiness.
Average-alcohol wines supply an ideal resolution, combining magnificence and flavour with out compromising on high quality. These wines show that moderation and delight can go hand in hand, interesting to each seasoned connoisseurs and informal drinkers alike.
Low- to moderate-alcohol wines have been gaining momentum worldwide, celebrated for his or her versatility, food-friendliness and skill to replicate terroir and grape character with precision.
They’re an important selection for daytime sipping or lighter pairings, or for anybody seeking to savour wine in a extra ‘restrained’ approach. Removed from being one-dimensional, these wines supply depth, complexity and noteworthy craftsmanship.
Scroll down to find DWWA 2024 awarded wines at 12% abv and under
The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) persistently spotlight the perfect in each class, and moderate-alcohol wines aren’t any exception. Starting from crisp to rounded whites, a purple, a rosé and an orange wine, this choice showcases distinctive bottles from areas together with Australia, Japan, France and past.
Every wine has been meticulously judged and awarded for its excellent high quality, proving that greatness actually isn’t outlined by alcohol content material.
Uncover under a collection of top-scoring DWWA wines at 12% alcohol and under – excellent for each celebrating the artwork of conscious ingesting and discovering new favourites.
Discover extra at awards.decanter.com
Greatest in Present
McGuigan, Bin 9000 Semillon, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia 2014
Greatest in Present, 97 factors
mcguiganwines.co.uk
Opens with a pungent petrichor and bean-flour aroma, adopted by a quenching flavour pushed by the wine’s lime-laden acid reduce. This can make a refreshing and palate-cleansing sip at any time, however you’ll discover that it matches most summer season meals surprisingly nicely, too. For sure, if you wish to give it a decade or two in your cellar, go forward – that’s what the fashion is made for. Alcohol 11%
Suntory, From Farm Tomi Koshu, Yamanashi, Chubu, Japan 2022
Greatest in Present, 97 factors
suntory.com
Japan’s first look in our Greatest in Present choice comes with the nation’s signature grape selection, Koshu. An nearly pointilliste wine, with whispered tropical-fruit scents and a slender, darting flavour that resumes a few of these tropical fragrant notes however now bonds them to an apple-and-grape freshness. It’s low in alcohol and each quenching and refined. Excellent with Japanese and different Asian dishes. Alc 12%
Canada
Blasted Church, Small Blessings Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia 2022
Gold, 95 factors
blastedchurch.com
A stunning bouquet of lime, lemon and basil with flecks of spearmint. Beaming and contemporary, with a line of saline acidity and a toasty spine. Prolonged and slightly moreish. Alc 12%
Chile
Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Tierra Sagrada Almaule País, Maule 2022
Silver, 94 factors
bpdr.com
Recent aromas of mint, eucalyptus, wild flowers and purple fruit. The palate is graced with juicy purple berries and glossy tannins. Alc 12%
France
Domaine de la Potardière, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, Loire 2023
Gold, 96 factors
£16-£16.50 Friarwood, Shawbury Wine
Pretty aromatic apple and pear blossom are intertwined with a contemporary dough richness and focus. Fantastically saline and crisp, with a basic mineral observe on the lengthy end. Alc 12%
La Chablisienne, La Pierrelée Chablis, Burgundy 2021
Gold, 95 factors
£22 Villeneuve Wines
Quintessential Chablis exuding racy grapefruit and lemon citrus, in addition to an ambient sea spray freshness. Refined and delicate with a pervading seam of tense acidity. Excellent. Alc 12%
Georgia
Marani Kalo, Kisi Amber Dry, Kakheti 2022
Gold, 96 factors
maranikalo.ge
The flourish of orange blossom, camomile and ginger on the nostril completely befits the fashion. On the palate, the bouqet is backed up by a glow of mellow tannins and lustrous acidity. That is glorious. Alc 11.5%
Germany
Marks & Spencer, Classics No2 Riesling, Pfalz 2022
Worth Gold, 95 factors
£10 Ocado
Dazzling mango, pineapple and yellow plum aromas are joined by swish white blossom and a stunning citrus peel observe. A gleaming line of acidity refreshes and delights. Alc 12%
Hungary
Gilvesy, George, Badacsony, Balaton 2022
Silver, 94 factors
£18.95 (2021) Davy’s
A yeasty character with creamy and spicy notes, touches of white flowers, dried apple, dried apricots and smoke. Mineral on the palate. Alc 12%
Italy
Cave Mont Blanc, Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle, Valle d’Aosta 2022
Gold, 95 factors
£19.75 Les Caves de Pyrene
Spring-flower freshness laced with crisp inexperienced apple and white pepper mineral notes. Hauntingly fragile and fine-spun with vigorous acidity and a stunning smoky end. Alc 11.5%
La Cappuccina, Soave, Veneto 2023
Gold, 95 factors
US$13-$15 Argonaut, Hop Cask & Barrel
Attractive ripe peach, golden apple and plum aromas, energetic acidity, a vivacious texture and delicate, pebbly minerality. Lingering and smoky. Alc 12%
Portugal
Adega Ponte Lima, Loureiro, Lima, Vinho Verde 2023
Worth Gold, 95 factors
£10.99 Cockburns of Leith
Tangerine, contemporary herb and floral flavours entwine with lingering citrus acidity and a lick of salinity, all tied up by a mineral end. Alc 11%
United Kingdom
Mousehall, Tidebrook Staddle Stone Chardonnay, East Sussex, England 2022
Silver, 94 factors
£29-£35 Harris & Co, The Whisky Change, Vino Gusto
Concentrated, expressive and chic. Ripe fruit, floral and honied notes with fantastic oak-derived characters. A superb wine. Alc 12%
USA
Mazza, The Excellent Rosé, Pennsylvania 2022
Gold, 95 factors
US$12-$15 Grand Wine Cellar, Mazza, Pompette, Winetransit
A tasty purity of watermelon and strawberry fruit sings out, layered with a fascinating rose petal perfume. Juicy and tangy, with a crisp, saline end. Alc 12%
Search all DWWA 2024 award-winning wines
