Merlot

Round is the word for this one. Vintense's alcohol-free Merlot pours light garnet and leads with an intense, faintly yeasty nose of stewed red fruits, blackberry and raspberry jam. The attack is supple, tannins stay light and soft, and plum, prune and blackcurrant come back through the finish with a toasted edge underneath. That softness is deliberate. The Belgian producer pitches it as an alternative to a light, fruity red with very round tannins, which happens to be the profile that survives dealcoholisation best. Harder, more tannic reds tend to turn hollow. Serve it between 14 and 16 degrees with charcuterie, a cheese board, white meats or fish in sauce. It's a genuine 0.0%, vegan, gluten free and safe during pregnancy, at about 17 calories per 100ml. Sold in 20cl and 75cl bottles.