Review: Woody's Non-Alcoholic Rosé Wine
/Woody’s Sparkling Rose, California, 93 points
The sun is starting to peak out more from behind the clouds, and as the warm spring winds blow in, many of us are seeking fresh and bright libations to help shake off the winter. Sparkling rosé is one of those special things that is just perfect to uncork for spring especially when it comes with some California sunshine like a bottle of Woody’s Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé.
Born from the passion of a dedicated third-generation organic farmer and winemaker, Woody’s non-alcoholic wines are grown and produced in Sonoma County in Northwestern California. Their roster is small but migty: a blanc de blanc non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a non-alcoholic sparkling rosé, both of which have already become fan favourites.
Both non-alcoholic wines are made with certified organic chardonnay grown at Campovida vineyards and then gently dealcoholized.
The most interesting touch about Woody’s brand is the bottle cap used to seal the bottle, and while you might think it’s a quirky decision, it’s also a strategic move by the winemaker. Any type of wine using a cork closure, will be exposed to oxidation over time. For non-alcoholic wines, this is very destructive to the finished product especially if you want to extend shelf life. So forget opening this sparkling with a sabre, you’ll need a regular bottle opener on hand instead.
Tasting notes for Woody’s Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé
Woody’s is a good case study in how industrialization and winemaking techniques are getting us closer to “perfection” in this category, because this non-alcoholic rosé is getting closer in taste to the real thing than many others. Although it may be a given most winemakers are adding invert sugar and unfermented grape must after dealcoholization, it’s now become a true art form balancing those factors to really replicate the nuance of real wine. Woody’s does this extremely well.
Aroma
Fresh berries and a hint of earthiness.
Taste
There isn’t a grapey, cloying sweetness like in some less finessed non-alcoholic sparkling roses, but rather has a nice fresh and zingy profile, with some dryness and a balanced acidity.
There’s a hint of summer vineyard on the palette, married with strawberries and a touch of minerality or maybe even salinity. This really does express some terroir, which is really rare in non-alcoholic wines.
Mouthfeel & Experience
The texture is slightly creamy which is so delicious to experience in a non-alcoholic wine. The bubbles were soft, and slightly less rigid than I expected, which really makes this so special, in my humble opinion. Definitely worth two glasses!
What to pair with Woody’s rose
This non-alcoholic sparkling wine is a great option for a celebratory brunch for Mother’s Day, for baby shower appetizers or even as an option for a wedding. It’s elevated enough for the most upscale occasion but can be made into mimosas at home just as easily!
Overall
Woody’s Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé is playful and fresh, and a really accessible non-alcoholic rose option that will be the highlight of your special occassion.
You can find Woody’s in the U.S. through their website or via The Zero Proof. Use code MAKEITNONALCOHOLIC for 15%!
You can find Woody’s non-alcoholic wine in Canada through The Sobr Market.
How we score non-alcoholic 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.
