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Ring in the new year with alcohol-free wine
Posted on Dec 31st 2007 7:00AM by Jacki DonaldsonFiled Under: Diet & Weight Loss
If you're spouting off the health merits of wine as you defend your drinking practices, your defense may be weaker than you think. Why? Because it's now clear that alcohol-free wine has the same benefits as the real deal. It has only 15 to 25 calories per four-ounce glass too. Compared to the 90 calories found in a glass of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon, this wine might just come out on top.
Although some health benefits of wine have been linked to alcohol, removing the alcohol is now considered a plus, says Joy DuBost, a food scientist for the Institute of Food Technologists.
"While it does appear that alcohol in moderation decreases the effects of cardiovascular disease," she says, "it can also increase your calorie intake; triglycerides, which is another blood lipid; your blood pressure; and possibly your cancer risk. You have to look at the total picture."
Carl Jung Vin Blanc, $6.49 plus shipping; available online only, at www.carljungwines.com: This wine features a very mild flavor and a very slight bite. It gets fixed reviews from tasters.
Although some health benefits of wine have been linked to alcohol, removing the alcohol is now considered a plus, says Joy DuBost, a food scientist for the Institute of Food Technologists.
"While it does appear that alcohol in moderation decreases the effects of cardiovascular disease," she says, "it can also increase your calorie intake; triglycerides, which is another blood lipid; your blood pressure; and possibly your cancer risk. You have to look at the total picture."
Taste testers say what lacks in alcohol-free wine is the "mouth-feel," that certain thickness and rich sensation of bursting flavors. Alcohol binds wine together and gives it weight. Without it, wine can taste thin and watery.
Fre (Sutter Home) 2005 Premium Red, $4.99; Kroger, Tom Thumb, Albertson's, and Wal-Mart. This wine is sweet, with a plum finish.
Carl Jung Vin Blanc, $6.49 plus shipping; available online only, at www.carljungwines.com: This wine features a very mild flavor and a very slight bite. It gets fixed reviews from tasters.
(J. Lohr) 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.29; widely available: A group favorite among the reds. A little stronger than the others, with a fruit aroma. "You could almost fantasize that this is real wine," says one taster.
