Functional non-alcoholic wine: A big bold cab with benefits
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As a non-drinker, I still occasionally miss that evening glass of wine before bed to help me fall asleep. Even though I can see how cutting out alcohol has improved my sleep quality, it’s a hard habit to break. That’s why this new non-alcoholic red wine was so appealing to me, and what follows is a bit of a cautionary tale. But first, let’s take a step back.
In the ever-evolving world of non-alcoholic drinks, innovation is happening a mile a minute. A recent trend that has been captivating my attention as a wine expert and a health enthusiast is the marriage of non-alcoholic wine with adaptogens or nootropics into ‘functional’ wines —a fusion that aims to marry the taste of wine without the alcohol and deliver on the ability to make people ‘feel’ something when they drink it.
Adding adaptogens to make functional n/a beer and mocktails has been around for a few years, but it’s extremely rare to see a wine with 'benefits’.
Among the pioneers of this intriguing trend stands Allay, a non-alcoholic functional wine brand hailing from the picturesque vineyards of Washington wine country. Crafted with entirely organic ingredients, their premium wines are infused with the adaptogens Ashwagandha and Reishi. Ashwagandha is known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety by regulating the body’s stress response leading to feeling calm and relaxed or even sleepy. Reishi similarly also promotes relaxation and improves sleep.
Founder Julia Borelli developed this product on her own journey to reducing drinking. After her first Dry January, she wanted something to drink that was going to help her relax but wasn’t feeling it from regular non-alcoholic wine. A foray into canned euphorics like De Soi and Kin was a game changer.
“I was so shocked because I wasn't expecting to actually feel anything, because I thought it was all just marketing and I was really shocked. I was so impressed. So I asked, why are these two things not together? I'm gonna make my own!” explained Borelli.
The first bottle I taste tested from Allay was their non-alcoholic cabernet sauvignon and it was definitely an experience I won’t forget. But first, here are the basics:
Aroma
Allay Functional Cabernet Sauvignon has a really rich bouquet, with the familiar Cabernet notes of deep black cherry and subtle oak with the earthy, herbal undertones characteristic of Ashwagandha and Reishi.
Taste
On the palate, Allay unveils layers of complexity that unfold with each sip. There are deep, robust flavors of dark cherries and plums with hints of chocolate and spice. It’s quite delicious and will remind you of a boozy California syrah zinfandel blend. It’s a little bit on the sweet side for a red. Borelli herself told me they add organic sweetener after the wine is dealcoholized to add back mouthfeel, which is a common practice. The sweetness is balanced out with a subtle earthiness from the Ashwagandha and Reishi, and a subtle herbal finish. There are no tannins, which was a disappointment, but as to be expected for most non-alcoholic reds. Its medium-bodied profile strikes a perfect balance between richness and elegance, making it a versatile non-alcoholic red.
Mouthfeel
The texture of Allay is velvety and smooth with a pretty hefty finish. I liked the way this drank.
What To Pair With Allay Cabernet Sauvignon
Pairing Allay cab sauv with food is easy because it’s so boldly juicy. It complements grilled steak, juicy burgers and pasta with red sauce really well. For a more indulgent experience, consider pairing Allay with artisanal dark chocolate or a selection of aged cheeses. That would be out of this world interesting!
Caution: Too Much Of A Good Thing Can Be A Bad Thing
What I learned last week is that moderation is key, as excessive consumption of ANY herbal remedy like adaptogens has the potential to lead to adverse effects.
As I finished my first delicious glass, I was definitely more relaxed than usual. It felt so nice. It was very subtle. And because I don’t do anything by half-measures, as soon as I started feeling nice and relaxed I decided to have a second glass. Roughly two hours later, I had a third glass while I was reading in bed then promptly turned out the light and went to sleep.
I woke up the next day with what felt like an actual hangover. Upset stomach, lethargic, emotional and anxious the whole day. I had an important event to go to and could barely muster up enough enthusiasm to get out of my pajamas. Severe GI issues emerged later that evening. I’m not entirely sure it was directly related to the adaptogens (it could have been hormones, stress, dehydration or any other life thing) but as a functional medicine, there can be side effects and possibly I had a little too much.
And a word of caution for the ladies out there - Ashwagandha is known for its ability to lower estrogen levels and affect the female cycle. I won’t go into details, but two days later I had some very unexpected side effects. There may not be a correlation at all, but it’s just something to be cautious about.
So, while Ashwagandha and Reishi are revered for their functional properties and potential health benefits, it is essential to exercise a little bit of caution with this wine, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking medication.
Final Thoughts
All that aside, Allay emerges as a beacon of innovation in the realm of non-alcoholic beverages, seamlessly blending the artistry of winemaking with the holistic principles of adaptogenic wellness. With its juicy rich taste and velvety mouthfeel, Allay provides an experience in the moment and delivers on the promise of a great glass of non-alcoholic wine.
As the boundaries between tradition, sober curiosity and innovation continue to blur, Allay stands as a testament to the endless possibilities the future holds for anyone rethinking drinking.
drinkallay.com, $28 USD
