A proper Sunday roast deserves a drink that complements the richness of the meal. But what if you’re skipping the alcohol? The good news is that non-alcoholic wines have come a long way, with options that pair beautifully all manner of roasted delights, whether beef, chicken, lamb, pork, game vegetarian roasts. So if you’re looking for the ideal non-alcoholic wines for a Sunday roast, you’re in the right place.
Here are some selections to add a delicious booze-free glass of wine to go perfectly alongside your Sunday lunch.
1. Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon – Best for roast beef
A rich, full-bodied red is the classic choice for roast beef, and Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon fits the bill. Bold, dark fruit notes of blackberry and black cherry dominate, with a supporting cast of plum and currant lurking underneath. There are also earthy undertones and a touch of gentle spice that gives the wine some extra character. Which all makes it a perfect companion for a juicy cut of beef with a peppercorn sauce or a rich gravy.
2. Luminara Chardonnay – Best for roast chicken
Luminara Chardonnay offers a well-rounded and sophisticated flavour profile. Right from the first sip, the wine presents crisp, refreshing green apple notes, complemented by a touch of tropical fruit, such as pineapple or mango. A subtle underpinning of oak balances these fruity flavours beautifully. This adds a layer of richness without overwhelming the freshness of the fruit. What stands out about this Chardonnay is its ability to retain the essence of the varietal, even in its non-alcoholic form. It complements the golden, crispy skin of the chicken while balancing the buttery richness of roast potatoes.
3. Le Petit Chavin Merlot – Best for roast lamb
For roast lamb, a soft, fruity red with some herbal complexity is ideal. Le Petit Chavin’s Merlot has ripe red berries – particularly strawberries and raspberries – at the core of its flavour profile. But what’s particularly nice is the subtle shift to darker fruit notes, like blackberry, which adds an unexpected depth to the wine. There’s also a hint of spice. Its smooth tannins and juicy character work beautifully with slow-roasted lamb shanks or a classic leg of lamb.
4. 1920s Wines Rosé – Best for roast pork
Pork pairs well with a fruitier wine, and 1920 Wines’ rosé offers Ripe strawberries take centre stage, followed by subtle watermelon undertones that enhance the fruitiness. There’s also a faint note of almond blossom and rose petals, giving the wine a soft floral touch. Its slight sweetness complements the salty, caramelised edges of roast pork, while its acidity helps cut through the richness of crackling and gravy.
5. Pure Vision Shiraz – Best for vegetarian roasts
For a mushroom wellington, lentil loaf or nut roast, a medium-bodied red like Pure Vision Shiraz is a great choice. Dark berry fruits dominate the palate, with blackberries and plums leading the charge. There’s a pleasing balance here between the natural fruit sweetness and a slight acidity that gives the wine a well-rounded flavour profile. The acidity keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying, ensuring each sip feels lively rather than heavy. Which all complements the earthiness of roasted root vegetables and the richness of vegetarian gravy.
6. Eisberg Selection Pinot Noir – Best for game bird roasts
For roast game birds like pheasant, partridge,or quail, a non-alcoholic Pinot Noir, like the one from Eisberg, is an excellent choice. On the palate, there’s notes of ripe red fruit flavours, led by cherry, cranberry and raspberry right from the off. It also manages, despite all those fruits, to avoid the overly sugary notes that can sometimes afflict alcohol-free wines. As the flavours develop on the palate, there is a subtle earthiness that emerges, echoing the aromas dried leaves. A delicate touch of spice, reminiscent of clove and cinnamon, adds warmth. This profile serves to complement the rich, slightly gamey flavours of the meat without overpowering them.
Non-alcoholic wines for a Sunday roast? Yes, please!
A Sunday roast isn’t just about the food; it’s about the entire experience. The right non-alcoholic wine can elevate the meal, enhancing the deep, roasted flavours and providing balance to the richness of the dish, whatever roasted treat you’re serving to close out the weekend.
Image credit: Sebastian Coman Photography