Low-alcohol wines, pet-nat, orange wines: trends to try

Why are these wines becoming more and more popular?

Important note: In this article, a “light” wine refers to a wine with a lower alcohol content—around 8 to 11.5%—and not necessarily a wine that is light on the palate. A wine with a low alcohol content can certainly have body and depth.

These wines cater to new ways of drinking. Three factors are changing the game:

•          More moderate drinking: whether for health reasons, to be able to drive afterward, or simply to enjoy a meal more fully, many customers are looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption without giving up the pleasure of wine. According to Sowine/Dynata, 17% of French people already consume “no/low” beverages (non-alcoholic or low-alcohol), up 7 percentage points in one year

•          More casual occasions (cocktails, lunch, outdoor dining), when you’re looking for fresh, thirst-quenching wines

•          A curious clientele—especially among younger people—who enjoy discovering different styles and stepping outside the classics

To learn more about the “no/low” trend:

•          Non-alcoholic wines and de-alcoholized wines: How to include them on your wine list?

Key Principles to Remember

•          Start small: one or two items per trend are enough to test the waters

•          Choose glass: it’s the best way to let people taste it without taking any risks

•          Knowing how to tell a story: these wines sell themselves with a simple explanation and a story about the winemaker

•          Paying Attention to Service: The Right Temperature Makes All the Difference, Especially for Natural Wines and Orange Wines

•          Choosing wines from independent winemakers: with these styles, quality varies greatly from one producer to another

Proposed Agreements

A few simple guidelines: 

•          Appetizers, charcuterie boards, and fried foods: a well-chilled pét-nat, for its fine bubbles and crisp freshness

•          Cold cuts, salads, and lunch dishes: a low-alcohol wine—a smooth red or a crisp white

•          Spicy and international cuisines (curry, Asian cuisine, stews): an orange wine, whose texture and tannins hold their own against the spices

•          Vegetarian dishes and roasted vegetables: an orange wine or a light red wine served chilled

•          Aged cheeses: an orange wine, which makes for a great alternative to classic white wines

For more information:

•          Food and Wine Pairings: How to Pair Vegetarian or International Cuisine?

Three Trends to Try

Low-alcohol wines: freshness above all else

With global warming, temperatures have been on the rise. As a result, more and more customers are looking for wines with lower alcohol content. Certain grape varieties and regions naturally produce wines with lower alcohol content: Gros Plant du Pays Nantais, Jacquère de Savoie, Gamay, and certain wines from the Loire Valley. Easy to drink and pair, they’re perfect for lunch, sipping on a patio, or enjoying by the glass.

Pet-nat: Natural, laid-back bubbles

Natural sparkling wine, or “pet-nat,” is made using the traditional method: the wine is bottled before fermentation is complete, and the process finishes in the bottle, creating bubbles naturally. No sugar is added; it has fine bubbles and is sometimes slightly cloudy: it’s a lively wine, often lower in alcohol, and very popular as an aperitif. An original alternative to Champagne and Crémant, it’s found particularly in the Loire, Gaillac, Limoux, and Bugey regions.

Orange wines: white wine made like red wine

An orange wine is a white wine made like a red: white grapes macerate with their skins for several days, or even several weeks. The result is an amber color, aromas of candied citrus, dried fruit, or spices, and a slight tannic quality. This traditional method, which originated in Georgia, has been adopted by many French winemakers, from Alsace to Languedoc. It’s ideal for surprising diners and offering unique food pairings.

Discover our organic wines, including orange wines.

How to Incorporate Them Into Your Menu or Wine Cellar

You don't need to change everything—a few well-thought-out adjustments are all it takes. Here are some best practices:

•          Create a “Discovery” or “Trends” section on the menu, or a dedicated display area in the wine cellar

•          Offer these wines by the glass to encourage people to try them

•          Explain in one sentence what a “pet-nat” or “orange wine” is, either directly on the menu or on the price tag

•          Organize a tasting or a food-and-wine pairing event centered around a trend

•          Brief the team so they can advise and reassure customers

For more information:

•          How can you boost sales by offering wine by the glass?

•          How do you put together a restaurant wine list?

•          How can you bring your wine section to life and build customer loyalty at your wine shop?

Common mistakes to avoid

•          Putting these wines on the menu without explaining them: without context, customers might miss out on them

•          Confusing orange wine with rosé, or pét-nat with Crémant: the team must master the basics

•          Serving orange wine too cold or pet-nat too warm

•          Focusing on “trendy” picks at the expense of proven favorites

•          Choosing based solely on the label, without having tasted it: these styles require careful selection

To learn more:

•          Everything You Need to Know About the Ideal Serving Temperature for Wine

•          10 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Wine List

Why work with wines from grower-producers

Pet-nat, orange wines, light wines: these styles are often produced by winemakers who work with small batches and oversee their wine from vine to bottle. Working directly with them means offering unique wines—rarely found in large retail chains—that have a real story to tell.

At Les Grappes Pro, we assist restaurant owners and wine merchants in selecting these new offerings: choosing vintages, hosting tastings, providing sommelier guidance, and training staff.

See also:

•          Wine from a grower-winemaker vs. a wine merchant: What’s the difference for the wine shop owner?

•          Restaurant owners: Create a wine list that reflects your style

Conclusion

Light wines, pet-nat, and orange wines aren’t just a passing trend: they respond to a desire to drink less but better—and to explore. By offering one or two selections by the glass, accompanied by clear explanations, you can add something new to your wine list and give your customers a good reason to come back.