Wines that do not conform to Bordeaux AOC rules can, under certain conditions, be marketed as Vin de France—a label that specifies only the country of origin and often includes sell-by or best-before dates, since alcohol acts as a preservative.

One standout innovation is the Prince Oscar de Château Clos de Bouard. Created by Coralie de Bouard, who is widely recognized as the creator of the first alcohol-free Bordeaux wine, this project marks a true revolution in the industry. With an extensive background in traditional winemaking from her early career at the family-owned Château Angélus and later at Château La Fleur de Boüard in Lalande de Pomerol, Coralie now leads her own 30-hectare vineyard, Clos de Bouard, in Montagne Saint-Émilion.

In 2019, following a request from the Qatari owners of the PSG football team for an alcohol-free wine to be served in the stadium, Coralie began experimenting with creating a non-alcoholic version of her wine. The first release of Prince Oscar came in 2021, and by 2022 production had already reached 50,000 bottles. Today, 35,000 bottles represent 20% of her total production.

Her red Prince Oscar is made from a classic right-bank blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. After undergoing malolactic fermentation and 18 months of barrel aging, the wine is sent to Germany for a meticulous process of dealcoholization, which re-integrates its aromas before bottling. In addition to the red, Coralie has introduced Eden, a 100% Sauvignon Blanc white wine that is also barrel-aged to the 0% alcohol range, both presented in Burgundy-style bottles.

This innovative approach aligns with the broader NoLo (no and low alcohol) trend, driven by a growing demand among younger consumers for lighter beverage options. The market for no and low alcohol products continues to expand, supported by advances in techniques such as vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis, which, despite their challenges, are steadily improving the quality of dealcoholized wines.

Overall, Prince Oscar not only represents a breakthrough in producing quality alcohol-free Bordeaux wines but also paves the way for winemakers to reach a broader audience and explore new market opportunities.