Review: Lautus Savvy Red Non Alcoholic Wine

This article was updated July 26, 2023.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT SOMEGOODCLEANFUN, 2024. DO NOT REUSE WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Now that the weather is getting cooler, more people are looking for a good (dry) non-alcoholic red wine and they wouldn’t be disappointed with the Lautus Savvy Red. This is hands down the best non-alcoholic red wine we’ve reviewed to date. Lautus non-alcoholic wine comes in a few styles: we’ve reviewed their Sauvignon Blanc but are not fans of their Rose. It was with some trepidation we decided to review their red blend, and were blown away by how incredible it is.

As mentioned in our Sauvignon Blanc review, South Africa is doing great things producing non alcoholic wines from their delightful, crowd pleasing varietals. Lautus is created at Holder Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The Lautus Savvy Red is a blend of shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and pinotage. Pinotage is actually South Africa’s signature varietal, as it was first developed there in the 1920s from a blend of pinot noir and cinsaut grapes. The hybrid was so successful, vineyards haven’t stopped planting it since. Pinotage is very high in tannins and flavour and an inky black colour, which makes it a perfect grape to use in a non-alcoholic wine blend.

Aroma

On the nose, Lautus Savvy Red has delicious notes of ripe cherry, with a very faint leathery aroma. It doesn’t overpower, which some non-alcoholic wines do in an attempt to recreate the experience of wine. Lautus introduces itself to you in an understated and elegant way.

Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel is perfect, with the right amount of weight for a dry red wine made from these varietals.

Taste

On the palette, this non-alcoholic wine is absolutely incredible. First and foremost, it’s dry. It’s actually a dry red wine, which is extremely hard to do with non-alcoholic red wine. Without being too overly dry, Lautus Savvy Red has a perfect balance of dryness and fruit making this an extremely well composed wine. Experience dictates that most, if not all, non-alcoholic red wines are generally fruit forward and lack the balance of regular wine, but this blend is perfectly balanced.

The notes that come through on the palette are delicious and mouthwatering, with blackberry, oak and a hint of tart cherry. It’s so close to the real wine experience, you might be second guessing whether this is actually non-alcoholic. Totally sippable and enjoyable without feeling like something is missing.

With the elegant structure, dryness and not overly grapey flavour, this non-alcoholic wine is probably the best pick of all the non-alcoholic red wines for a romantic dinner for two. There is just enough tannin to help wash down a juicy steak, and a balanced juiciness that pairs well with side dishes….or even dark chocolate.

Where to buy Lautus Savvy Red Non Alcoholic Wine

In the U.S., you can find Lautus for $18/bottle at The Zero Proof, and use code MAKEITNONALCOHOLIC for 15% off or $20/bottle through the Lautus U.S. website. It’s also available through Better Rhodes and Drink Bardelia. If you shop through our Zero Proof link, we earn a small commission and you’ll be helping to support this website and community.

Canada: You can find Lautus Savvy Red online from most online retailers. In Ontario, Dry Variety Drinks is the best option, in Western Canada through Soft Crush and in Quebec through Apero A Zero.