Vegan vino takes root as interest in lifestyle surges
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Raise a glass to World Vegan Month during November.
When it comes to choosing a bottle of wine, how the juice was fine-tuned to attain its appealing colour and whether it’s 100 per cent plant-based (or not) isn’t always a priority.
But the good news is, opting for a glass of vegan-friendly vino is easier than you think.
With the surge in popularity for plant-based foods and many veggie dishes enhanced by a glass of wine, the vegan logo is very much in vogue – and there’s been a shift in the entire wine production chain, from vineyard to bottle.
“Owing to the popularity of the diet, as well as vegan restaurants, vegan wines have also become a key trend,” says Nick Jones, wine expert at Winebuyers.com.
“With the growth of veganism showing no signs of slowing down, the rise of vegan wine and its availability is definitely a boozy craze that’s here to stay.”
And although made from grapes, not all our go-to favourite varieties are vegan.
This is because some wines are produced using a process called fining made from animal products.
“Vegan wines replace these animal-based finers with clay or charcoal based alternatives, and those derived from peas and potatoes get the job done too,” added Jones.
Thanks to the growing interest, most winemakers are labelling their wines accordingly but it’s always worth checking the back of the bottle.
Here are some options to try out this World Vegan Month:
Co-op Fairtrade Pinot Noir 2019 South Africa (£7, Co-op stores), with its characteristic raspberry notes, the aim here is to also raise a glass to the Fairtrade Foundation’s 25th anniversary.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Galliac Blanc 2018, France (£8, Sainsbury’s), a light bodied, crisp and zesty white.
M&S Craft 3 Chenin Blanc 2018, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£10, Marks & Spencer stores), with delightful peach, pear and creamy vanilla flavours.
