Lautus is a South African winery nestled in the northern Olifants River Valley in the Western Cape. It’s an area known for producing wines with rich character and complexity. While the winery has been crafting traditional wines for quite some time, it was only in 2017 that they ventured into the world of non-alcoholic wine, with the Lautus Savvy Red. The wine is a blend of Shiraz, Pinotage, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which undergo a double-pass process to ensure the alcohol is fully removed.
The question on every wine lover’s mind is whether removing the alcohol compromises the richness and depth of flavour that traditionally makes red wines so appealing.
Let’s dive into the experience of tasting this alcohol-free offering and find out if Lautus Savvy Red can stand up to its full-bodied counterparts.
Appearance
Pouring the Lautus Savvy Red into a glass reveals a deep, ruby-red hue that immediately suggests a wine with some richness to it. The wine displays a modest viscosity, providing a smooth, steady pour without being overly thick or syrupy. The appearance isn’t as dense as a full-bodied red, but it still offers a nice balance between richness and lightness. The wine’s clarity is striking, with no cloudiness or particulate matter, suggesting careful production and good attention to detail in the winemaking process.
Although it doesn’t have the intense inky depth of a Cabernet Sauvignon or the concentrated richness of a Shiraz, the ruby tone is appealing, evoking a sense of freshness and a wine that promises to be lively and easy-drinking. It’s a visual cue that this wine, though non-alcoholic, isn’t too far from its alcoholic counterparts in terms of visual appeal.
Aroma
When you swirl the glass, the Lautus Savvy Red reveals an inviting bouquet. The aroma is dominated by ripe red berries – particularly strawberries and raspberries. This lends the wine a vibrant, fruit-forward profile. Beneath this fruity top note, there are more subtle fragrances of black cherry and hints of spice, which add some complexity to the scent. A mild earthiness provides a grounding element that balances out the fruitiness. It’s a pleasing aroma that draws you in and entices you to take another sniff.
However, compared to traditional red wines, the Savvy Red lacks the same complexity and depth of character that you’d expect from a wine with alcohol. For example, there’s no noticeable oak influence. Plus, the secondary notes that are typically created through ageing (such as leather, tobacco, or chocolate) aren’t present. While the wine’s aroma is appealing, it doesn’t quite achieve the level of intrigue you’d get from a classic red blend. Still, it’s a pleasant and accessible nose, making it inviting for those seeking a lighter, fruit-forward red wine experience.
Taste
On the palate, the Lautus Savvy Red closely mirrors its aromatic profile. The initial sip brings forward a fresh burst of ripe berries – particularly strawberries and raspberries – offering a juicy and sweet fruitiness. This initial fruitiness is quickly followed by a tart undercurrent of cranberries. This introduces a pleasant balancing acidity. There’s a slight sweetness that lingers, but it’s not overpowering. For a non-alcoholic red, the wine doesn’t fall into the trap of being overly sugary. That can often be the case with alcohol-free wines.
However, there is a subtle note of sweetness that may not be present in traditional red blends, and this is something that non-alcoholic red wines often struggle with. While the sweetness is noticeable, it doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience. The fruitiness remains front and centre, which is a nice feature for those looking for a refreshing, easy-drinking wine. The wine does have a lightness to it, which may not satisfy those who prefer more complex, full-bodied reds, but it is pleasant and offers a satisfying, uncomplicated profile.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of the Lautus Savvy Red is smooth, with soft tannins that give the wine a gentle structure. The wine feels relatively light on the palate. It leans more towards a Pinot Noir-style texture than a heavy Cabernet or Shiraz. It’s juicy and refreshing, making it very easy to drink. The tannins aren’t as pronounced as they might be in a traditional red wine, which contributes to the overall lighter mouthfeel.
While the soft tannins are not unpleasant, the wine feels a little thin in terms of body. It lacks the weight that you might expect from a red blend, which could be a drawback for those who enjoy a richer, more full-bodied experience. However, the lightness could be a benefit for those seeking a less intense wine or something suitable for warmer weather or casual gatherings. The texture is clean and refreshing, but it does leave you craving a bit more structure and complexity.
Finish
The finish of the Lautus Savvy Red is clean and relatively short-lived. It doesn’t cling to the palate the way some full-bodied reds do. Instead it leaves a light, pleasant sensation of red fruit and spice. The finish is refreshing, with no bitterness or heaviness, which is often a welcome trait in alcohol-free wines. However, the lack of depth in the finish does speak to the absence of alcohol, which often plays a crucial role in lengthening and enriching the aftertaste.
While the finish is relatively fleeting, it doesn’t feel unsatisfying. It’s light, clean, and doesn’t linger too long, which could make it an excellent choice for those looking for a wine that won’t overpower the senses or linger on the palate. For a non-alcoholic wine, the finish is nicely balanced. However, it lacks the complexity and length you might expect from a higher-end, traditional red.
Pairing Suggestions
The Lautus Savvy Red is best paired with lighter fare. Things that won’t overwhelm its relatively subtle profile. Grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, and pasta with tomato-based sauces would be excellent choices. The fruit-forward nature of the wine complements these dishes without competing with them. It also works well with more casual foods, such as meat-based canapés at a summer social gathering. Here, its light body and fruitiness can be refreshing without overshadowing the food.
The lack of heft in the wine’s profile makes it ideal for pairing with dishes that are light and fresh. It’s not the type of wine you’d want with something rich or hearty like steak or braised meats. It might get lost in those flavours. Instead, think of it as a nice accompaniment to lighter summer dishes or a casual evening with friends.
Overall Impressions of Lautus Savvy Red
The Lautus Savvy Red is a light, refreshing alcohol-free wine that provides a pleasant fruit-forward experience. It’s easy-drinking, with soft tannins and a smooth texture. As a result, it makes for a good choice for those seeking a non-alcoholic alternative. While it lacks the depth and complexity of traditional red wines, especially those with alcohol, it does an admirable job of offering a straightforward and enjoyable wine experience.
For those looking for a red wine that’s approachable and fruit-driven, the Savvy Red could be a great option. While it won’t satisfy the cravings of serious red wine aficionados, it serves its purpose well. It can certainly find its place at casual social events or as a refreshing, easy-drinking option for those who want to enjoy a red wine without the alcohol.