The best mid-strength wine to buy, according to our columnist Libby Brodie

There is an awful lot of scaremongering amongst the drinks industry about people turning their backs on booze. It is true that there is a fervent wellness trend right now and some dogmatic corners of it do demonise drink, but how genuine is this passion for prohibitionism for the average Londoner? I fully support the fact that non-alcoholic options are on the rise and there is less ridicule levelled at those deciding not to drink.

But how many of us want full throttle abstinence? Certainly not me or most of my friends. That sounds about as enjoyable as the sardines-only fast currently trending. In reality, most people want to live longer, healthier lives while also sharing a bottle with friends. This desire for balance is something that comes up consistently on ‘The Inner Table: The Art of Living Well’, a podcast I co-host with wellbeing expert Anna Lancaster where we discuss the true meaning of living “well”.

Connection is a fundamental human need and comes up repeatedly with our guests as one of the most vital things for mental health. However, a lot of social connection happens around food and drink, which can be tricky for those wanting to moderate. Aiming to bridge the gap between alcohol free and traditional booze is the mid- strength drink.

Mid-strength wine is booming

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Ocado recently announced the overall sales of mid-strength drinks is up 41% month-on-month and up 74% over the last two years. That is quite a leap for a limbo libation, and this week two companies are releasing their newest creations.

Future Chateau’s founder Tom Benn does not approve of the term “mid-strength”, feeling it bases a drink’s identity on what it is lacking and that ‘dealcoholisation’ implies a certain degree of manipulation.

One of the most beautiful things about wine is that is grown from the ground and is changed by region and seasons, and this relationship with the earth is what Benn is keen not to lose. “Mine are proper wines, real wine, made naturally with no shortcuts, that just happen to have less alcohol and calories.”

This week Vintage 2 has just been released, a range of Reserve Rouge, Reserve Blanc, Blush Rosé and Sparkling, all at 6.5% abv.

Something for everyone, but the standout success is the white wine which is full of attractive floral and stone fruit notes (futurechateau.com). Wednesday’s Domaine have also just released their ‘Aprèm’ rosé (£17.99 wednesdaysdomaine.com) a 6.5% abv blend of dealcoholized and full-strength wine.

This vibrant rosé offers tart berry flavours and is refreshingly quaffable. Whereas 0% drinks can feel like personal denial, these feel more like a compromise. Flavour with the lightest touch of a buzz and no hangovers the next day.

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