Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon Review: Good Quality at a Fair Price

By Ruthie Fournier, Non-alcoholic Wine Expert

Score: 8.2 / 10

Alcohol-free red wine is tricky. I’ve tried a lot of them over the years, and honestly, many just don’t land. Too sweet, too thin, or simply not something I feel like finishing once the glass is poured.

Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon is one I often come back to when I want something dependable. It doesn’t try to impress or reinvent anything. It focuses on being a solid, well-made alcohol-free red at a fair price, and that’s exactly why it works for me.

First impressions

The colour is the first thing that stands out. Deep ruby, very classic Cabernet. It looks right in the glass, which already sets the tone.

On the nose, I get dark fruit right away. Black cherry, blackberry, and a subtle touch of oak. It smells familiar and comforting, like a wine that belongs at the table rather than something overly engineered.

How it tastes

The first sip is smooth and easy to enjoy. It’s dry, medium-bodied, and not overly fruity. The tannins are soft but present, which gives the wine structure without making it feel heavy or aggressive.

This isn’t a wine that pretends alcohol isn’t missing, and that doesn’t bother me. What I appreciate is that it avoids that syrupy sweetness that turns me off so many alcohol-free reds. It feels considered and well-balanced, not like an afterthought.

How I like to drink it

I don’t usually reach for this just to sip on its own. Ariel Cabernet really shines with food.

I like it slightly chilled and paired with mushroom-based dishes, grilled vegetables, or pasta. Once there’s food on the table, everything clicks and the wine makes a lot more sense.

A little twist I like

Sometimes, when I want a bit more warmth and depth, I’ll add a small splash of bitter orange.

Just a touch. The bitterness brings out more structure and adds a slightly warmer, more layered feel. It’s a simple tweak, but it can really elevate the glass, especially if you’re used to more complex reds.

Who this wine is for

I’d recommend Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon if you:

• Enjoy dry red wines

• Are cutting back on alcohol but still love the ritual of wine

• Want something dependable for weeknight meals

• Care about value more than hype

If you’re looking for a bold, highly tannic red, this probably won’t be your favourite. But for everyday dinners and relaxed evenings, it does exactly what it promises.

About the price

Alcohol-free wines can get expensive quickly, and not all of them earn their price tag. Ariel Cabernet does a good job here.

It’s consistent, well-made, and fairly priced. No gimmicks, no trend chasing. Just a bottle you can feel good about opening on a regular night.

Final thoughts

Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon offers premium quality at a good price, especially in the alcohol-free red category. It won’t replace every Cabernet moment, but it doesn’t need to.

For nights when you want wine without alcohol, and something that still feels familiar and comforting at the table, this is a bottle I’m genuinely happy to recommend.

Shop Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon

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Ruthie Fournier
Non-alcoholic Wine Expert