Low and zero alcohol wines are of growing interest and commercial importance. The latter is for a variety of reasons, including health considerations and current stylistic trends away from heavier bodied wines. For the wine enthusiast, the question is whether the reduced (or absent) alcohol has a positive or negative impact on the quality and impression of the wine. In this case, Yalumba have created a 7.0% alcohol “light” pinot grigio and done a very good job of it. Pinot grigio is already a lighter style of wine that attracts for its ease of food matching, simple lemon and citrus characters and light body. Taking the alcohol down from 11% or 12% to 7% is a clever move in this context.
In the glass, Yalumba’s wine has a correct pinot grigio aroma of lemons and a little pear. The palate is dry and light bodied. For the critically minded, the body is noticeably lighter than regular pinot grigio. Absent the heft of alcohol, its viscosity appears as low and more water like. This will not trouble the wine consumer seeking a low alcohol alternative and it remains identifiably pinot grigio. Overall, Yalumba’s Y Series Lighter Pinot Grigio is a versatile wine that will suit most occasions where a pinot grigio might otherwise have been chosen. Rating: Good (★★★, 87 points). Website: Yalumba Wines. Source: Sample. Tasted: December 2023.