The Best Non-Alcoholic Syrah
Finding a great non-alcoholic red wine is no easy task. Too often, they end up tasting like grape juice, missing the depth, structure, and complexity that make traditional reds so enjoyable. But then there’s Noughty Syrah—a game-changer in the alcohol-free wine world. If you’ve been searching for a rich, flavorful, and actually enjoyable non-alcoholic red wine, this might be the one.
So what makes Noughty Syrah stand out? Let’s dive into its history, how it’s made, what it tastes like, and why it’s become one of the most popular alcohol-free reds on the market.
The Story Behind Noughty
Noughty is the brainchild of Thomson & Scott, a company that has been redefining the non-alcoholic wine scene. Founded by Amanda Thomson, Noughty’s mission is to create premium alcohol-free wines without compromising on quality, taste, or sustainability. They’re organic, vegan, low in sugar, and made with real winemaking techniques—giving them an edge over many other NA options.
The Noughty lineup started with a sparkling Chardonnay, which quickly gained a cult following. After proving that non-alcoholic wines could be both delicious and sophisticated, the team turned their attention to reds. That’s how Noughty Syrah was born, offering a deep, full-bodied alternative for those who love red wine but want to skip the alcohol.
How Noughty Syrah is Made
Unlike many alcohol-free wines that never go through full fermentation, Noughty Syrah starts as a traditional Syrah before undergoing dealcoholization. This process preserves the wine’s natural flavors, tannins, and complexity, setting it apart from typical grape juice-like alternatives.
Here’s how it’s made:
Grapes are sourced from organic vineyards in Southern Spain, where warm days and cool nights allow Syrah grapes to develop deep flavors and balanced acidity.
The wine is fully fermented and aged just like a traditional red wine, allowing it to develop tannins, structure, and complexity.
The alcohol is removed through vacuum distillation, a process that gently extracts alcohol at low temperatures while keeping the wine’s essential flavors intact.
The final product is bottled without added sugars or artificial flavors, maintaining the integrity of the wine.
The result? A non-alcoholic Syrah that actually tastes like wine, with depth, richness, and a smooth, dry finish.
Tasting Notes
Noughty Syrah is surprisingly complex for a non-alcoholic red. It has the boldness and structure you’d expect from a Syrah, minus the alcohol.
Aroma: Ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and a hint of black pepper.
Taste: A rich, smooth palate with notes of plum, blackcurrant, and subtle oak, followed by a touch of spice and earthy undertones.
Finish: Soft tannins and a dry, well-balanced finish that lingers without being too heavy.
For an NA red, this wine comes impressively close to the real thing. It’s structured, layered, and not overly sweet, which makes it an excellent choice for red wine lovers looking for a proper alternative.
Why Noughty Syrah is One of the Best Non-Alcoholic Reds
Noughty Syrah stands out because it does what so many alcohol-free reds fail to do—it delivers real wine character without unnecessary sweetness or artificial flavors.
Organic and vegan No added sugar or artificial flavors Lower in calories than traditional Syrah Made using real winemaking techniques Rich, structured, and actually enjoyable If you’ve been let down by watery or overly sweet NA reds in the past, this one is worth trying.
Food Pairings: What to Eat with Noughty Syrah
Because of its bold flavor and balanced tannins, Noughty Syrah pairs well with a variety of hearty dishes. Here are some perfect pairings:
Grilled meats: Steak, lamb, or portobello mushrooms with a balsamic glaze.
Pasta: Tomato-based pasta dishes, lasagna, or truffle-infused risottos.
Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gouda, or even a creamy Brie.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate or berry-based desserts.
Where to Buy Noughty Syrah
Noughty Syrah is widely available online and in select retailers.
Major Retailers: Whole Foods, Total Wine, and specialty wine shops.
Online: Boisson, The Zero Proof, and Amazon.
Direct from Thomson & Scott: Some international locations offer direct purchasing.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic red wine that actually drinks like a proper Syrah, Noughty Syrah is one of the best options out there. It has structure, depth, and complexity—things that are often missing in the NA red wine world.
Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol, looking for a great pairing with dinner, or just want a high-quality alcohol-free red, Noughty Syrah is a standout choice.
Have you tried it yet? Let me know what you think!
