Be Well is known for producing health-conscious, alcohol-free wines made from carefully selected grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold flavours, structured tannins and ability to develop complexity over time. Non-alcoholic versions often struggle to match the full-bodied nature of traditional Cabernets, but the winemaker has taken on the challenge and produced their Be Well Cabernet Sauvignon.
It certainly looks the part in the bottle. No, let’s give it pour and see what else it offers.
Appearance
This non-alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep ruby red, with subtle garnet highlights when held up to the light. It doesn’t quite match the inky density of a traditional version, but it is still attractive in the glass. The legs are passable, especially for a de-alcoholised red wine, and there’s no dullness or excessive transparency, which can sometimes make alcohol-free reds look more like juice than wine.
Aroma
On the nose, Be Well Cabernet Sauvignon delivers an initial bouquet of dark berries. Blackcurrant, plum, and ripe cherry lead the way. On their tail you get hints of vanilla and cedar, as well as perhaps a touch of green bell pepper. So far, so classic Cabernet. The oak influence is noticeable but not overpowering. There’s also a touch of earthiness, reminiscent of dried leaves or tobacco, which adds some much-needed depth. It might lack the deeper, more developed tertiary notes (such as leather or dark chocolate) that alcohol helps preserve, but it avoids the overly sweet or artificial scents that sometimes mark out alcohol-free red
Taste
The first sip is smooth and fruit-forward, with those juicy notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cherry taking centre stage. These are complemented by hints of vanilla and a touch of oak, which help round out the profile. One of the key challenges for non-alcoholic red wines is replicating the structure and complexity of their full-strength counterparts. Be Well does a pretty decent job of maintaining that balance. The tannins are present, albeit softer than with an alcoholic version, and the fruit remains fresh rather than overly jammy, while the oak influence provides enough backbone to prevent it from feeling one-dimensional.
Mouthfeel
In terms of mouthfeel, Be Well Cabernet Sauvignon is just about medium-bodied, with a smooth, slightly juicy texture. It lacks the bold grip and tannic structure of a full-strength Cabernet, but it avoids feeling too thin or watery. The tannins are soft and integrated, providing a gentle dryness, and the acidity is moderate. On the whole, a nice, well-rounded mouthfeel.
Finish
The finish is clean and relatively short in length. The dark fruit and vanilla notes linger briefly before fading, leaving behind a subtle hint of spice and oak. So while it doesn’t have the long, structured finish of a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, it avoids the abrupt drop-off that some alcohol-free wines suffer from. The balanced acidity helps keep tit from feeling cloying.
Pairing Suggestions
Be Well Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with a variety of hearty dishes, thanks to its rich fruit profile and gentle tannins. Some ideas for accompanying nosh would be roasted beef, lamb, or even grilled chicken, pasta with tomato-based sauces, which will be complemented by the wine’s bright acidity, and roasted portobello mushrooms due to those subtle earthy undertones.
Overall Impressions of Be Well Cabernet Sauvignon
Be Well Cabernet Sauvignon is, I would say, a solid option for those looking for an alcohol-free red wine. It manages to retains much of the structure and balance of a traditional Cabernet, with a well-rounded mix of dark fruit, subtle oak and spice. While it doesn’t quite match the depth or complexity of a full-strength Cabernet, it avoids many of the pitfalls of alcohol-free reds, such as excessive sweetness or a watery texture. It’s a very approachable non-alcoholic red wine, and certainly among the better ones on the market.