Healthiest Wine to Drink on a Diet
In a bid to booze better, many of us are turning our backs on same-old supermarket plonk in favour of organic wine. So many, in fact, that sales of the stuff racked up to a cool £2.79 billion in 2020 alone.
What is organic wine?
Simply put, organic wines are made with grapes that have been grown without any dodgy chemicals, fertilisers or pesticides. Winemakers tend to stick to more old-school methods and, as a result, you're likely to find organic wine tastes cleaner than conventional wines. That said, some unfiltered options can have a cloudier appearance — but don't let that put you off.
Is organic wine more expensive?
Many organic wines are similarly priced to "normal" wines, in fact, both our red and white wine winners come in at under £15, meaning you needn't stretch your budget for an organic alternative.
Is organic wine healthier for you?
Organic wines not only contain fewer sulphites and less sugar than mass-produced wines, but they contain higher concentrations of antioxidants — including polyphenols, cardio-friendly resveratrol, and anthocyanins (which, according to research, can help cut the risk of erectile dysfunction, though perhaps not after a night on the sauce).
Can drinking organic wine help avoid a hangover?
Well, that's when it gets a little hazy and, no, we're not talking about your headache. Sadly, we can't promise that you'll be clocking in a PB after sinking three plus bottles of malbec the night before… even if it is organic.
How we test organic wines
Our panel of 10 experts and consumers tested 25 organic wines (tough gig, right?). They were looking for quality, balance and value for money, as well as solid organic credentials.
1
Best organic red wine
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 'Parallele 45' Côtes du Rhône Rouge 14%
With so many conflicting wine preferences to consider, it's rare for a red to please an entire panel's palates, but this Côtes du Rhône did just that. Perhaps it's the ripe, red plum flavours or the spicier notes of black clove and leather… whatever it is, it works, and we love it. So much so, that we're off to stock up before the secret gets out.
2
Best organic white wine
Selfridges Selection Project Earth Organic Vegan White 14.5%
A firm favourite across the board, our winning white brought bold aromas of citrus, honey and biscuity brioche – think caramelised marmalade on warm toast, and you're almost there. It would pair well with a soft, saltier cheese like brie or a mild goats cheese.
3
Best pet nat
Domaine Le Roc Roc'Ambulle Pét-Nat Négrette 9.5%
New to pet nat? This is a great introduction to the natural sparkling wine world, without the associated funk that can put people off. Certainly one of the more interesting organic wines our panel put to the test, this offers loads of tart summer fruit flavours, finishing with a crisp finish – almost like you'd expect of a session IPA or dry cider. Plus, the lower ABV makes it a great option for all-day drinking.
4
Best organic wine for spicy foods
Ver Sacrum Geisha Dragon del Desierto 13.5%
thewhiskyexchange.com
£19.95
Whilst this white blend isn't too forthcoming on the nose, it follows with intense fruit-forward flavours on the palate – green apple, ripe stonefruit and light orange blossom. Bright acidity means it will stand up well against your favourite spicy dishes, whether that be a Thai takeaway or these high-protein chilli chicken and peanut noodles.
5
Best budget organic wine
Purato Siccari Appassimento 13.5%
One of the more affordable options our panel sampled, this Sicilian red delivered well beyond what you'd expect of a supermarket wine – especially one coming in at under a tenner. Bringing bags of sweet fruit character, underpinned by subtle clove and tobacco, it has a pleasingly long finish. Dangerously drinkable, this is one to keep on your wine rack rotation.
6
Best luxury organic wine
Tindall Reserve Organic Pinot Noir 13%
Sure, this isn't a weeknight kind of wine, but if you're looking for a bottle to impress your boss or your in-laws, this is it. Light ruby in the glass, this pinot noir opens with ripe cherry on the nose, before leading into more complex aromas of cinnamon and tobacco. Serve with an excellent cut of beef (we're talking sirloin or fillet) for a blow-the-budget night in.
7
Best organic wine by the case
Bel Campo Organic Fiano 12.5%
marksandspencer.com
£8.50
One of Italy's most valued exports (move over, Mancini), fiano is a white wine variety hailing from the Campania region. Characterised by its richer mouthfeel and lingering floral notes, this offers more depth than you might expect of a white wine at this price point. Buy a case for your next dinner party, because this is a certified crowd-pleaser.
8
Best organic wine for food pairing
Quinta da Pedra Escrita Tinto 14%
www.thewhiskyexchange.com
£21.95
Red wines often run the risk of overpowering food but this Portuguese red will stand up against any hearty stew or casserole. It's packed with black fruit and pepper on the nose, before fading into an oaky finish — in short, it's very moreish.
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Healthiest Wine to Drink on a Diet
Source: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/food-drink/g37488062/best-organic-wine/