Thursday, January 23, 2025

L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc. Pair this non alcoholic wine with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses.

 L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc (Viognier, Sauvignon), 0.0% ABV

€8.45 on offer (normal 9.45)  at O’Briens Wine


"pair with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses"


L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc is a good-quality, aromatic, alcohol-free white wine from France. De-alcoholized sustainably, it retains vibrant fruit notes, especially exotic fruit, and is exuberant in the mouth. A blend of Viognier and Sauvignon, it is refreshing. The producers suggest pairing it with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses or as an aperitif.

It is a bright straw colour in the glass, with quiet fruity aromas. In the mouth, it is vibrant with exotic fruit (from the Viognier), while the Sauvignon lends it exuberance. It is surprisingly refreshing. More of a food wine than a simple aperitif, I think.

Non-alcoholic wine, beer, and spirit alternatives are gaining popularity. The quality of non-alcoholic wines has significantly improved, offering enjoyable options for red, white, and sparkling varieties.


Our L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc is from Domaine de l’Arjolle in Pouzolles, France. It is de-alcoholised using the “sustainable vacuum evaporation method” . 


By placing the wine under vacuum, the boiling point of the alcohol is reduced (35°C instead of 80°C) “which allows the wine to be heated very little and therefore to keep the vast majority of the initial aromas. By this method, it is possible to dealcoholise the wine down to 0.0% vol, to respect their original qualities, and to offer a real alcohol-free drink.”


Non-alcoholic wines are certainly having a moment, and I got a taste (just!) of a pretty decent one at St Luke's Wine Tavern a few nights ago. The Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (€7.50 a glass) was refreshing and certainly had some of the characteristics of a Marlborough SB.


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