Rhubarb and cinnamon over red currant, plum and a little tobacco. Pierre Chavin makes Le Petit Chavin in France as a wine first, then removes the alcohol — so the spice and the earthiness are what the grapes gave it rather than something added at the end. It is the old-world one: velvety rather than juicy, warm rather than bright, with sage and tobacco sitting behind the fruit. The finish is soft and subtly dry, which is what makes it work with a plate of food. Tasting notesColour: Deep red, medium-bodied and velvetyPalate: Rhubarb, cinnamon and red currant over plum, sage and tobaccoFinish: Soft, balanced and subtly dry Food pairing Spaghetti bolognese and lasagne Ribeye steak and grilled lamb chops Margherita pizza and penne arrabbiata Gouda, parmesan and manchego Dark chocolate truffles and flourless chocolate cake Product detailsProducer: Pierre Chavin, FranceGrapes: MerlotSize: 750 ml Why you will love it Sweet spice and tobacco give it the weight most alcohol-free reds lack Made as wine first, then dealcoholized — the fruit did the work Velvety rather than thin, with a finish that actually lingers Familiar to Merlot drinkers and approachable to everyone else Serving tip: Serve at cool room temperature. Twenty minutes open and the sage and tobacco come forward. Zero Proof. Zero Doubt.
