With vegan and vegetarian diets getting popular, the demand for vegan and vegetarian wines is also on the rise. Given that wine is made of fermented grapes and other fruits, it may sound shocking that not all wines are vegan. So, if you are a vegan, vegetarian, or are simply trying to eliminate more animal products from your diet, read on before you pour yourself another glass of your favourite wine and discover five of the best vegan wines to try for beginners.
Why aren’t all wines vegan?
The reason why not all wines are vegan has more to do with the winemaking and production process, rather than the wine itself. When wine is first made it looks cloudy, and many winemakers use fining agents when it goes through the refining process to add clarity and smoothness to the wine. These fining agents tend to contain animal-derived products, including milk casein, egg whites, and gelatin, which result in the wine not being vegan. Animal products may also be used to make the packaging. This includes agglomerated corks, which use milk-based glues, and beeswax to seal bottles.
How to tell if wine is vegan?
Unfortunately, information regarding fining agents and packaging isn’t always readily available, making it difficult to tell if a bottle is vegan or not. Winemakers are not required to list the ingredients used in their fining agents, making choosing a vegan bottle of wine even more complicated. However, some wines are vegan certified and display a vegan logo on the packaging. Another option would be talking to the staff at your local wine store. Many are knowledgeable on the subject so ask if they can find or recommend a vegan option. While this is not always the case, thanks to veganism being more popular than ever, supermarkets and imports have realised a demand for vegan drinks. They are getting better at sourcing and labelling their selection of vegan wines.
Do vegan wines taste different?
The quick and simple answer is no, vegan wines do not taste different from non-vegan wines, simply because they are vegan. Remember, it is the type of grape, the region it is grown in, and the winemaking method used that impacts the flavour of a wine. So, there is absolutely no way of telling the difference just by using nose or taste, which is why there is such a heavy reliance on readily available information and labels.
Now, let’s discuss the five vegan wines to try for beginners.
Frey Organic Sauvignon Blanc Sulphite Free Wine
Bright and clear, this white wine brings with it a touch of the tropical, thanks to the aromas of passion fruit and pineapple. It has a lemony finish that creates a gentle acidity and is great with a spicy soup, or a traditional Sunday lunch or nut roast.
Revelio Nero d’Avola
If you are after a great quality vegan wine, you can’t miss this popular choice. Made using the Sicilian Nero d’Avola grape, this red wine is a bold choice boasting a spicy and almost smoky character. This makes it an excellent match for many foods, from spicy Indian cuisine to salads and tomato-based pasta dishes.
Sensi Vegante Chianti Superiore
A dry wine with a great balance and good body. This Chianti is made without any animal products. This also includes the production process from the vineyard to the bottle. Featuring a sugar cane derivative cap, this wine is clarified with potato protein and features recycled paper labels. It pairs well with most vegan recipes, including legumes and grilled vegetables, and is incredibly versatile.
Quinta de Soalheriro Allo
Harvested by hand, this Northern Portuguese wine is made using Alvarinho & Loureiro grapes. Combined with the laurel-scented Loureiro, this vibrant white wine is light but full of flavour, with a unique balance and moderately low alcohol content.
Toro Loco Organic Red
A Spanish red from Utiel-Requena, near Valencia, this wine features a bold-berry flavour that’s mixed with hints of Spanish smoked paprika. Gorgeous in taste, it comes at a great price point and is organic, as well as vegan.
Wrapping up
Not all wines are vegan due to the use of animal-derived fining agents. These are used to refine the wine to make it smooth and clear for consumers to drink. However, with a little research and shopping around, you can now easily find a great selection of vegan wines and be safe in the knowledge that no animal products have been used while drinking your next glass of vino.
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