Cognato Chenin Blanc: A Review
/This South African non-alcoholic wine proves yet again the country’s got what it takes to make a great alcohol-free bottle
Cognato Chenin Blanc, South Africa, 94 points
When I opened this bottle and its aroma hit my nose I immediately thought “Oh, what’s that??”. It was a nice sensation to be curious about a non-alcoholic wine, especially when I didn’t have any expectations. Cognato non-alcoholic wines have popped up in my feed over the past year or so, so I was happy to be sent a sample of their white wine for review.
Cognato is produced in South Africa, and the extremely attractive thing about this brand is the ethos behind its creation.
“We aimed to produce an alcohol-free wine that we, as wine enthusiasts, would be delighted to savor alongside a fine meal. Both David and I are parents to young children, and we often found ourselves driving to various activities on weekends, making it impossible to enjoy a glass of wine during lunch or dinner. Therefore, we needed a suitable alternative,” said founder Adam Malmnäs.
This resonates with me so deeply, as a parent who understands the importance of being present for our kids. Likewise, the desire to be able to enjoy a fine wine without alcohol while dining is paramount to the alcohol-free lifestyle.
The Cognato white is a Chenin Blanc, which you’ll appreciate if you’re a fan of South African wines. Chenin Blanc is native to, and was discovered in, South Africa and is their most widely planted varietal. Its trademark is a very specific minerality with a hint of petrol and a viscous mouthfeel. It’s a great grape for dealcoholization because of its flavour profile.
Tasting the Cognato Chenin Blanc
Aroma
On the nose, there’s a lovely saline earthiness, mixed with green grape and a tiny hint of bright citrus. It’s got a lovey aroma and really reflects the quality of the wine.
Taste
This is really a lovely drinking experience. Off the top there’s some lemon curd, green apple and a fresh minerality with a hint of salinity. I would categorize this as an off-dry wine, as there is some sweetness but balanced out with a nice bright acidity. The length is exceptional for a non-alcoholic white.
Mouthfeel
This a medium-bodied white, with some substance to it, and a nice silky texture.
What to Pair With Cognato Chenin Blanc
This is a non-alcoholic wine for mussels and shellfish. The hint of salinity and off-dry taste will be such a nice pairing with anything from the sea. I like this for roast chicken too, or as a pairing with a cheese-based dessert.
And finally, one of the most appealing aspects of this brand is they have smaller portions sold in 250ml cans, portable and ready to take anywhere!
Bon appetit!
$23-25 Cdn. at various retailers.
How we score wines at Some Good Clean Fun:
95 to 100 - An excellent drink with a great personality. An example that stands out among its peers
90 to 94 - An accomplished drink with considerable personality, character and complexity. A classic example of its style or variety.
85 to 89 - A perfectly well-made drink which provides an enjoyable drinking experience.
80 to 84 - An acceptable but simple drink, lacking distinction.
We gave the Saint Viviana Cabernet Sauvignon 97 points because it’s an excellent drink with great personality and stands out in the category. An excellent non-alcoholic wine.
