Radio Schuman Is non-alcoholic wine no longer a taboo in Europe?
Mar 31, 2025
Gerardo Fortuna, a Euronews reporter specializing in agriculture and health, dives into the evolving non-alcoholic wine market in Europe. He discusses how new EU proposals are reshaping perceptions and classifications of non-alcoholic wines. Attitudes among younger consumers are shifting, leading to a greater acceptance of these beverages. Fortuna contrasts the innovation pace of winemaking with that of the beer industry and explores the cultural significance of wine in traditional markets like Italy and France, amid rising health consciousness.
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Taste Alteration
- Dealcoholization changes wine's taste, removing the characteristic alcoholic "kick".
- This process allows those avoiding alcohol to still enjoy a glass of wine socially.
Taboo to Trend
- Non-alcoholic wine used to be taboo among European winemakers, unlike the beer sector.
- The beer industry successfully introduced non-alcoholic products earlier, often promoted during major sports events.
Traditional Resistance
- Traditional winemakers, especially in Italy and France, remain resistant to de-alcoholized wine.
- An Italian folk song illustrates this resistance, with patrons refusing to pay for watered-down wine.