January is over and thankfully, so are those detox diets. It is time to look ahead to spring, but don’t ruin that beach body you sweated over all month. There are alternatives to big red wines that are lower in alcohol and in calories.  Wine makers are answering a demand and wines up to13.5% abv are more popular than ever.

Banrock Station Light (£5.69 at Ocado) uses laboratory method to reduce the alcohol and calories. It is only 5.5% abv, and a small (125 ml) glass contains just 60 calories. It is an acceptable off-dry chardonnay blend from Australia. There is a distinct amount of fruit on the nose and the palate tastes of pears with a hint of cinnamon. It has low alcohol, low intensity, and in my opinion, low taste.

Wines naturally lower in alcohol and calories provide a better option. Dr. Loosen Estate Riesling (£9.45 from Oxford Wine Company) is a fresh, crisp wine that is full of mineral flavour. At 8.5% abv, this wine contains approximately 58 calories for a small glass.

Last October, Weight Watchers endorsed McWilliam’s lower alcohol wine range.  The McWilliam’s Harmony Shiraz 2011 (£8.99 Sainsbury’s) is 2 points on their ProPoints system. It has cranberry and plum flavours. The acids and tannins are present, but not persistent. It is lighter and not as complex as a chewy winter red, but with 9% abv and only 70 calories for a small glass who can complain?

The one that surprised me most was the Essenze Vine Dancer (£9.99 Sainsbury’s). It is a McWilliams wine, but made with Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The 2012 is very pale, with a bit of spritz that comes from leaving it on the lees. It has a citrus aroma, tropical fruit and lime flavour with just a hint of fresh green vegetables. It is very dry and has a good finish. The alcohol tops out at 10%, and 78 calories or 3 Weight Watchers points for a small glass.

 

• I’m looking forward to the Oxford Wine Café opening up this spring. Congratulations Ted, Theo and gang on the new venture. You can follow me on Twitter @SauvignonBlonde