WITH two months under our belts, the New Year is well and truly underway. Resolutions are most likely long-forgotten – despite our best intentions – replaced with a firm return to old habits. Some habits are unlikely to ever be shaken, specifically those that involve a chilled glass of wine after the daytime chaos.
The good news is that South African wine producers have stayed abreast of trends and there is such a thing as a lower alcohol, lower kilojoule wine available. So, if you still have intentions of dropping a few holiday kilograms or being more considerate with your alcohol intake, you don’t have to cut wine completely. Here are four reasons to try a light wine today:
- Full of flavour
Don’t be fooled by the light wine options on the market. You might be trading calories and alcohol content, but you aren’t trading the flavour. A light white wine like Robertson Winery Cultivar Light Chenin Blanc is light and refreshing, allowing you to still appreciate the tropical fruit with floral notes that a chenin is best known for. In contrast, a low-alcohol red wine like Robertson Winery Cultivar Light Merlot, is more subtle than that of a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) red wine, but its intense aromas of plum, mulberry, cinnamon and spice are still there for you to savour.
Moderation is in
Internationally, a move to a more considered approach to alcohol is underway and South Africa is following suit. Drinking in excess is never a good idea, so with a lower alcohol alternative, you can rest assured that you’ll still feel great the next day.
- Lower in kilojoules and sugar
Lower alcohol wines are lower in calories. Be rid of the guilt surrounding your nightly indulgence and enjoy!
- Enjoy better sleep
One too many drinks is all it takes to ruin a good night’s rest. With a lighter wine you can enjoy the festivities of the evening and have a well-rested, full night’s sleep.
Riekie Viljoen from Robertson Winery says the light wine category has grown substantially in recent years as South African consumers become more focused on health and wellness: “People are looking to enjoy their favourite alcoholic beverage without the stress of overindulging in alcohol content or calories.”