I tried 9 supermarkets wines that are best for avoiding hangovers – the winner left me feeling surprisingly fresh
A THUMPING head is usually the inevitable side effect of enjoying a few glasses of wine – but does it have to be?
Scientists think that certain ingredients lurking in some bottles of plonk could exacerbate symptoms of overindulgence including headache and nausea.
Sulphites - a naturally occurring compound needed as a preservative for vino - are often claimed to be the problem.
While there are people with a genuine allergy, who should opt for bottles without added sulphur, most drinkers won’t be affected by the low levels in the majority of wines.
But what might be responsible is histamine, which is produced by bacteria in lots of foodstuffs where fermentation or ageing occurs.
When it’s combined with alcohol, the body’s ability to break down toxins can be inhibited – leading to worsened hangovers.
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Choosing crisp whites from cooler regions, like Northern France and Germany, can be an antidote for this, as can ‘natural’ wines and shunning reds.
The other culprit is thought to be quercetin, a compound found naturally in red wines.
It’s a type of flavanol and is an otherwise healthy antioxidant but, when mixed with alcohol, it can hinder the body’s ability to metabolise the booze.
Scientists think it could be behind reactions like flushed cheeks, dry mouth and headaches, even 30 minutes after drinking.
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It’s more common in grapes that thrive in warmer climates, like malbec, shiraz and grenache, so give these a miss if you tend to react.
Here, writer and wine enthusiast ALEX LLOYD tries out nine supermarket buys with 'hangover friendly' properties - and could leave you feeling fresh the morning after the heavy night before…
- Tesco Finest Mosel Steep Slopes Riesling 2022, £7.25, Tesco -
Rieslings get a bad rap in this country but they are incredibly versatile in style and great to match with food.
This one is made on the slopes of Germany’s Mosel River, where the cooler climate means lower histamine levels and an 11% ABV.
It’s a dry and crisp, with a light body and a bit of minerality, as well as flavours of lime, nectarine and a hint of mint.
I have a couple of glasses which would normally leave me with a slightly sore head the next day. But I wake up feeling fresh after an undisturbed sleep. We are off to a good start!
ANTI-HANGOVER SCORE: 8/10
- Bowler & Brolly English Regional White Cuvee, £9.99, Aldi -
Homegrown wines are becoming increasingly popular and this one is packed with flavour, while still feeling dry and refreshing.
You’ll notice a floral and almost grassy aroma on the nose, but sharp apple, lime zest and melon on the palate.
It also has an easy to stomach 11.5% ABV.
While this wine is on the pricier side, it’s worth it for the quality.
While this wine is on the pricier side, it’s worth it for the quality. And aside from feeling a little tired the next morning, my hangover was non-existent.
ANTI-HANGOVER SCORE: 7/10
- Artesano de Argento Organic Malbec Rose, £9, Sainsbury’s -
Made in Argentina’s Mendoza region, this uses the famous local malbec grapes.
But the winemaking process for rose means the skins only briefly come into contact with the liquid, so you’ll get some of the flavours without the headache-inducing elements.
It’s also 12.5 ABV compared to its punchier red wine siblings.
Pinky-orange in colour and off-dry in sweetness, this vino tastes of red cherries, strawberries, melon and a hint of pineapple.
I had a mild headache on waking after drinking this, but otherwise felt fine.
ANTI-HANGOVER SCORE: 6/10
- M&S Expressions Ribolla Gialla, £8, M&S -
Italian wine is so much more than pinot grigio and chianti, with a huge variety of interesting grape varieties to choose from.
This one from the cooler Venecia region in the north makes for a complex-tasting and dry white, with a 12% ABV.
You’ll spot flavours of grapefruit and peach - and even almonds and sage as you sup.
It’s also great with food, especially Italian classics like pasta - and left me only mildly fuzzy the following day.
ANTI-HANGOVER SCORE: 7/10
- Cigar Box Old Vine Pinot Noir, £7.99, Lidl -
The name is a nod to the unusual flavour of this pinot from one of Chile's cooler regions.
The classic cherry flavours you expect from this grape are complimented by a distinct smokiness that will win round lovers of bolder reds.
You might also detect a hint of sweet vanilla in there, amid the light tannins and off-dry feel.
It’s a mildish 12.5% ABV, but just two glasses leave me feeling pretty rough the next day and desperate for a pint of orange juice.
ANTI-HANGOVER : 4/10
- Torre de Lapela Vinho Verde, £5.50, Asda -
Vinho Verde is a young wine from north-west Portugal where the Atlantic breeze makes for a fresh, light and lower alcohol white.
They also have a slight effervescence which is gentle on the tongue and makes a great alternative for fans of sauvignon blanc.
This bargain bottle, made with Alvarinho and Trajadura grapes, weighs in at 10% ABV and offers a hit of citrussy lemon, along with green apples and pears, and even a hint of pineapple cubes.
No wonder it took Silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023.
No wonder it took Silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023. Better still, I woke up feeling like as fresh as a daisy.
ANTI-HANGOVER SCORE: 9/10
- Maison du Vin Cremant de Loire, £12, Coop -
If you like the lightness and affordable price tag of prosecco, but not the effects the next day, give this French fizz a go.
Cremant is made with traditional sparkling wine methods but outside of the Champagne region, so it’s less costly on the pocket.
And being produced further north than its Italian counterpart means it should be lower in histamine and it has less residual sugar.
This cremant is dry but creamy in the mouth, with soft bubbles, a long finish and an 11% ABV.
Created with a combination of chenin blanc, chardonnay and cabernet franc grapes, you’ll get green apples, citrus and gooseberry in the mouth.
I almost drink an entire bottle of this and wake up only slightly foggy - winner!
ANTI-HANGOVER SCORE: 9/10
- Morrisons The Best Alsace Pinot Gris, £9, Morrisons -
Pinot grigio is the default choice for many dry white wine fans, who might not realise the French grow the same grape under a slightly different name.
However, the two styles differ and you’ll find this one a more complex choice.
It’s rich with pear drops, lime and grapefruit, plus a hint of wet stones and honey, giving it a slightly sweeter finish that is not unpleasant.
And it’s a winner in the hangover stakes too - with no sore head the next morning.
ANTI-HANGOVER SCORE: 9/10
- Specially Selected Freemans Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir, £6.19, Aldi -
If you want that earthy element that you can only get with a red, this 14% ABV New Zealand pinot noir has plenty, while still being lower in quercetin.
There’s plenty of the grape’s signature red and black fruits with a medium body and soft tannins.
But you’ll also enjoy more complex elements like green pepper on the nose and white pepper on the palate.
It won’t be to everyone’s taste but if this is your bag, the price can’t be beaten.
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However, two glasses leaves me feeling hazy and bleary-eyed the next morning.
SCORE: 6/10