It is past noon, the table is set outside, and someone asks "what shall we drink that's cold?" In summer, the instinct often goes to rosé — but white wine has everything going for it: freshness, citrus notes, that tension which lifts a seafood platter or a salad. Good news: alcohol-free white wine has come a long way, and French winemakers have joined the movement. Here is how to choose the right one, and our favourite cuvées, region by region.
In brief: a good alcohol-free white wine starts from a real wine, vinified then gently dealcoholised — you can taste the grape variety and the freshness. Our French favourites are: Colombard from Gascony (Moderato, UBY), Viognier-Sauvignon from the Languedoc (Arjolle), Melon de Bourgogne from the Loire (Grenaudière), Riesling from Alsace (La Côte de Vincent). Serve well chilled, between 6 and 8 °C. Delivered within 72 hours.
How is an alcohol-free white wine made?
A real wine, from which the alcohol is removed
A good alcohol-free white starts from a real wine, vinified in the traditional way, from which the alcohol is then removed — most often by vacuum distillation at low temperature, a gentle method that preserves the aromas. It is this process that distinguishes a dealcoholised wine (made from grapes, with the character of the grape variety) from simple grape juices or flavoured drinks. When tasting, you find the grape variety's signature: the freshness of a Sauvignon, the fruitiness of a Colombard, the straightforwardness of a Riesling.
💡 The wine merchant's tip: trust the grape variety stated on the label. It is the best indicator of the style in the glass — exactly as with a classic wine.
Our favourite alcohol-free white wines, region by region
Gascony — Moderato Le White (Colombard)
Colombard is THE white grape variety of Gascony: aromatic, tangy, and thirst-quenching. The White de Moderato offers a dealcoholised version with a pale colour and green glints, a nose of exotic and white fruits, and a lively, refreshing finish. A quintessential summer white.
The perfect pairing: ceviche, salad, sweet-and-sour poultry, Asian cuisine.
→ Discover the White Colombard de Moderato
Gascony — UBY Sauvignon White
Another signature of the South-West, the Sauvignon from UBY: lively and elegant, lemony and mineral, with hints of white peach and grapefruit. Light and airy, true to the Gascon terroir.
The perfect pairing: oysters, seafood, fresh goat's cheese, aperitif.
→ Discover the Sauvignon White from UBY
Languedoc — Domaine de l'Arjolle Viognier-Sauvignon
In Pouzolles, in the Hérault, the Domaine de l'Arjolle is a family vineyard. Its organic Viognier-Sauvignon blend plays on freshness: a floral and fruity nose, a lively and balanced palate. The ultimate versatile white, from aperitif to the dinner table.
💡 The wine merchant's tip: its aromatic character makes it an ideal companion for fragrant cuisines.
The perfect pairing: grilled fish, summer salads, Thai cuisine.
→ Discover the Viognier-Sauvignon from l'Arjolle
Loire — Domaine de la Grenaudière « Phénomène » (Melon de Bourgogne)
Melon de Bourgogne is the grape variety of Muscadet, right in the heart of the Nantes region. The Phénomène cuvée delivers a very pure dealcoholised version: a nose of white fruits and flowers, a round and fresh palate, a clean and slightly saline finish. The iodine-tinged white made for seafood.
The perfect pairing: oysters, shellfish, fish, seaside cuisine.
→ Discover the Phénomène from la Grenaudière
Alsace — La Côte de Vincent Riesling-Ryvaner
A pioneer in Alsatian dealcoholised wine, La Côte de Vincent works with the emblematic grape varieties of its region. Its Riesling-Ryvaner blend offers a dry white with lively, fresh fruit and that aromatic straightforwardness typical of Alsatian whites — all at a very gentle price.
💡 The wine merchant's tip: Riesling, even without alcohol, loves spicy dishes. Try it with a mild curry or sushi.
The perfect pairing: Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, sushi, tarte flambée.
→ Discover the Riesling-Ryvaner from La Côte de Vincent
How to choose (and serve) your alcohol-free white wine?
Three simple guidelines
First, the grape variety, which signals the style: Sauvignon = lively and citrusy, Colombard = fruity and tangy, Melon de Bourgogne = mineral and iodine-tinged, Riesling = floral and taut. Then, the balance: a good alcohol-free white stays dry and fresh, never too sweet. Finally, the serving temperature: well chilled, between 6 and 8 °C — that is where it shows its best.
💡 The wine merchant's tip: serve it in a proper wine glass, not a water glass. The glass concentrates the aromas and makes all the difference when tasting.
Which white for which occasion?
For an aperitif, go for freshness: the Sauvignon from UBY or the Viognier-Sauvignon from l'Arjolle. For seafood, nothing beats an iodine-tinged white like the Melon de Bourgogne from la Grenaudière. And for spicy food, the Riesling from La Côte de Vincent works wonders. The same pleasure, several terroirs.
Read also
- Alcohol-free rosé: the complete guide to choosing the right one
- Alcohol-free red wine: the guide to choosing the right one
- Tour de France #3 — Loire, Alsace & the East: the freshness of whites
Frequently asked questions
Does an alcohol-free white wine really taste like wine?
The best ones, yes. As they start from a real dealcoholised wine, you find the character of the grape variety — the freshness of the Sauvignon, the fruitiness of the Colombard, the floral notes of the Riesling. The profile is a little lighter than a classic wine, but the spirit is there.
At what temperature should an alcohol-free white wine be served?
Best served well chilled, between 6 and 8 °C. The cold brings out the freshness and balances the fruit. Served too warm, it will taste sweeter and less clean.
Which alcohol-free white wine should you choose to start with?
A Colombard from Gascony (Moderato) or a Sauvignon (UBY): fruity, lively, and easy to enjoy. To accompany seafood, go for the Melon de Bourgogne from la Grenaudière; for spicy food, the Riesling from La Côte de Vincent.
Where can you buy alcohol-free white wine?
All these cuvées are available on our website, delivered within 72 hours anywhere in France.
Gueule de Joie — France's first alcohol-free wine merchant since 2019. More than 450 references selected for their taste, delivered within 72 hours anywhere in France (free delivery from €80).
