A number of Australian winemakers including brands such as Banrock Station are releasing low-alcohol varieties in Europe in an effort to attract British consumers.
The reduction in alcohol content will see wines containing as low as 5.5 percent alcohol which is under half the standard amount, while promising to reduce some of the negative effects of full strength wines such as hangovers and heart disease The Herald Sun reports.
According to The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian red wine traditionally holds an alcoholic content level of around 13.5 percent, with some varieties containing as much as 18 percent.
The move to low-alcoholic wines has come as a response to rising alcohol related issues such as violence amongst Britain’s middle class.
In addition, the new wines are also being marketed as a new way for consumers to enjoy wine and not worry about the drive home.
Wine experts throughout Europe have rejected the new low alcohol content wines, stating that they did not pass taste test and could potentially encourage people to drink more.