Languedoc producer Cypher will appeal to both drinkers and non-drinkers of award-winning dealcoholized wines.
Is it advertising a surfing holiday or a drink? That's a natural question when you first see Cypher wines, a new brand on the non-alcoholic scene. Bottles and cans are decorated with 1970s-inspired graphics, muted colors, and chunky typography. Everything seems to evoke a simple, carefree joy, a postcard-perfect feeling of nostalgia.
Of course, this is by design. The brand is a project of Domaine de Breaux, based in the small Cabardes appellation of Languedoc, so the non-alcoholic wines have an excellent pedigree. But Fabian Revol, one half of the founding duo, is especially keen on positioning the company as a lifestyle brand.
While many portray the current market as a zero-sum game where non-alcoholic products steal market share from traditional wine, Revol sees Cypher as existing in its own category. The company aims to become independent in the non-alcoholic market rather than as a substitute for wine.
Citing statistics from Wine Intelligence, he pointed out that teetotalers are not the only ones turning to non-alcoholic drinks. The recently released 2023 Low and No Alcohol Wine Opportunities report found that 50% of drinkers are actively reducing their alcohol intake, much of it through low and no-alcohol links. It is shown. This means this category has the opportunity to appeal to both drinkers and non-drinkers.
In fact, Revol explains, it was his existing alcohol wine customers who suggested the project. They had seen him frequently making new cuvées, so they asked if he had ever considered alcohol-free wine. He also credits his wife as a source of inspiration. “As a yoga teacher, she always gives me new ideas for her health-conscious trends.”
Thus, Cypher addresses various reasons for temperance and asceticism. Along with long-established reasons such as religion, health, and personal preference, there is also growing recognition of other reasons. Some people avoid alcohol for ethical reasons. Some may abstain from sports activities. There is also a growing recognition that some people simply cannot enjoy drinking while socializing.
Many of these concerns are reflected in the products themselves. First, wine has clear health benefits. It has an average of 12 calories per 100ml, about seven times as many calories as alcoholic wine and half as many as non-alcoholic beer.
Wine also responds to ethical and environmental concerns. The smartly designed packaging uses recycled labels and cardboard, and eco-friendly water-based inks. Cypher therefore aligns with several key consumer trends, including informal branding, healthier options, and environmental friendliness.
But backing your product is about more than just savvy branding. The winemaking is built on the same high-quality principles as the domaine's Cabardes AOC wines. That in itself is a statement of intent. Alcohol-free brands are of sufficient quality to be sold alongside a winery's “regular” wines.
All of the grapes for Cypher Wines are organic and carefully grown in our vineyards north of Carcassonne. The vineyard's history dates back 150 years, and the heritage of old vines helps to concentrate aromas and ensure quality.
For the Cypher series, the wine is gently dealcoholized by vacuum evaporation, after which aroma compounds are carefully restored to the wine. The challenge, Revol says, is to “maximize the fruitiness and acidity” of the wine. Most of these cuvées are already set at less than 12.5% ABV, so working on the alcohol range helped us achieve this goal.
The quality of the show is a testament to the brand's growth. Although it will only be released in 2023, it is already available in a wide range of wine shops in France. We are also targeting markets further afield, including the UK, Scandinavia and the US.
It is also attracting attention at international competitions. Cypher's series of non-alcoholic wines won him four medals at the Olympics. Beverage business Spring 2024 Tasting judged by wine and non-alcoholic beverage experts. These are detailed below along with tasting notes from the judges.
Cipher Baby – White Sparkling
- Producer: Blau
- Region: Languedoc
- Country: France
- Vintage: 2023
- Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Alcohol content: 0%
- Residual sugar: 2.8g/100ml
- Approximate retail price: £5
- Medal: Bronze
Pale golden color with aromas of green fruit, melon, and freshly baked bread. Gently sparkling, medium sweetness followed by refreshing acidity. A fresh, fruity, alcohol-free option.
Cipher Baby – White Sauvignon Blanc
- Producer: Blau
- Region: Languedoc
- Country: France
- Vintage: 2023
- Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Alcohol content: 0%
- Residual sugar: 2.8g/100ml
- Approximate retail price: £5
- Medal: Silver
In the glass, it is yellow-gold and reveals aromas of tropical fruits, particularly guava and mango, contrasted with hints of spice. Lean and dry on the palate, with crisp acidity, stone fruit and great complexity.
cypher white
- Producer: Blau
- Region: Languedoc
- Country: France
- Vintage: 2023
- Grape variety: Roussanne & Colombard
- Alcohol content: 0%
- Residual sugar: 2.8g/100ml
- Approximate retail price: £12
- Medal: Silver
This refreshing pale lemon green wine reveals aromas of grass, nettle, kiwi and gooseberry. Juicy and light-bodied, with refreshing acidity and a good length. It's a very fun and versatile white for the price and goes well with food.
Cipher Rose
- Producer: Blau
- Region: Languedoc
- Country: France
- Vintage: 2022
- Grape variety: 100% Grenache
- Alcohol content: 0%
- Residual sugar: 2.3g/100ml
- Approximate retail price: £12
- Medal: Silver
A very pale rosé, almost peachy in color, followed by a dry nose of Herbes de Provence, red berries, stewed fruit, and crushed red roses. Off-dry but with lively acidity, flavors of apple, strawberry and citrus. Very wine-like, with great definition and length.
