The first 0.5% Bordeaux red hits the market
The page is turning on a new chapter for Saint-Émilion with the release of Ilex, a low alcohol single-varietal Merlot available only on allocation, that expresses the complexity and depth of the region.
Until now, Bordeaux has remained largely absent from the low-alcohol luxury wine sector. But that is about to change with the release of Ilex, a high-end and almost alcohol-free (0.5% ABV) wine from the French region.
Aimed at affluent consumers, Ilex is a 100% Merlot Vin de France wine crafted from a single vintage (2023), using traditional maturation methods. Grapes are hand-harvested from Grand Cru Classé vineyards, and the wine has its alcohol gently removed only after natural complexity has developed, helping to preserve structure, aroma, and mouthfeel.
Produced by Château Franc Mayne, in the hands of the Savare family from 2018, Ilex undertakes the same organic viticulture as the rest of the winery’s expressions, led by technical director Sophie Mage and estate director Pierre Arnald. The producer’s “plot-by-plot” approach and precision winemaking reflect its commitment to expressing the subtle differences of the remarkable terroir. Vineyards are divided into three separate geographical zones: plateau, hillside, and the base of the hillside, presenting diverse soil types including limestone, clay, sand and marl. This level of diversity in such a small area is one of the characteristics that makes Château Franc Mayne stand out.
Terroir expression
While many dealcoholised wines lack the depth and terroir expression that define fine wines, Ilex offers “a true Saint-Émilion wine with alcohol reduced after complexity develops, preserving its elegance,” Ilex co-founder Paul Beavis told the drinks business.
As for why a Merlot was chosen over any other varietal wine, he added: “Merlot thrives in Saint-Émilion, producing wines with supple texture and aromatic complexity, well suited for lower-alcohol balanced wines.”
The 2023 vintage is described by Château Franc Mayne as being an “atypical and original” year. With harvest beginning on 6 September, the second-earliest start in the estate’s history, “a perfect weather situation in the very first days of June” led to “a fast and homogenous flowering.” Thanks to “the great composition of the berries”, wines were treated to long vatting periods, allowing the producer to refine the tannins.
Ilex is described as having aromas of ripe plum, black cherry and a touch of mocha while the palate is smooth and rounded, with soft tannins and layers of red berry fruit balanced by subtle notes of spice and cedar, pairing beautifully with roasted meats, earthy vegetables, and artisanal cheeses.
Authentic heritage
The wine’s visual aesthetic too has been designed to chime with the luxury cues of traditional Saint-Émilion wines, with the creators of Ilex opting for “timeless Bordeaux-inspired packaging.”
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“In this way we are leading the luxury non-alcoholic wine segment by aligning with consumers who value authenticity, meaningful experiences and the heritage of this iconic French region,” said Beavis. The ancient evergreen oak tree depicted on the wine label nods to the live oak that stands watch over Chateau Franc Mayne’s seven hectares of vineyards.
Allocation only
Ilex is available on allocation only due to its extremely limited production, and will be found in high-end on-trade venues, including Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as in hotels looking to deliver curated luxury experiences. The low-alcohol Bordeaux wine can also be found at select prestigious retailers including Hedonism Wines and Harrods.
Throughout the year, the team intends to collaborate with “cultural leaders” in the fields of wellness and gastronomy in order to provide exclusive consumer experiences.
“A significant market gap exists at the fine wine level, where authenticity and luxury remain underserved in low-alcohol options,” said Beavis. He hopes that Ilex will be a catalyst for change, “redefining Bordeaux by blending heritage with contemporary lifestyles and setting new standards in low-alcohol wine.”
Above all, he told db, he is keen for Ilex to “promote indulgence without compromise” and to elevate the conversation around moderation into the fine wine sphere.
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