Lussory Premium Merlot

Merlot's appeal is softness, and softness survives alcohol removal better than a big tannic red would. Lussory ferments this one as a Spanish red and then de-alcoholises it to 0.0%, keeping the dark fruit and rounded structure the grape is known for, along with the polyphenols that came out of the original wine. It is low in calories and gluten free. Where it earns its place is at dinner. Grilled meat and slow stews are the pairings the producer names, and a light red without alcohol handles both far better than a soft drink or sparkling water. Bottles are 750ml, typically sold by the six. The maker is Dismark Products, based in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, whose Lussory range covers red, white, rose and sparkling, all of it at zero alcohol.