Frédéric Brochet is One Of The Winemakers Now Working On Alcohol-Free Bottles

In the vineyards of Bordeaux, the unspeakable has become drinkable: wine without alcohol has arrived, Hugh Schofield reported for BBC News.

Bordeaux has just witnessed the launch of its first-ever cave—wine shop—dedicated solely to no-alcohol wines.

The heresy of yesterday is now—thanks to science and economic challenges—the opportunity of today. Wine estates that would have once torched their grapes rather than submit to such ignominy are now openly embracing booze-free bottles.

Developers are moving quickly, creating wines deliberately designed to perform well in the de-alcoholization process.

"When we started a few years ago, what we were making was frankly rubbish," says Bordeaux oenologist Frédéric Brochet, who has helped create the Moderato range of no-alcohol wines.

"But we have made great progress. And today, we are getting closer and closer to our goal. I think it is going to be a revolution in the wine world."

Bordeaux has just witnessed the launch of its first-ever cave—wine shop—dedicated solely to no-alcohol wines, reflecting a shift in perceptions that has taken many in the industry by surprise.