I hate to be a buzz kill, but summer is coming to an end. And if your lifestyle was anything like mine during the last 4+ months, the festivus of food and wine is begging be unplugged for awhile. Fortunately, I’ve received (as samples) a few no-alcoholic beverages to help with the reboot process. Spoiler alert? These beverages are those I’ll purchase again!
French Bloom
French Bloom is made and bottled in the southwest of France. Both blends are organic and vegan certified, have no sulfites and are low calorie with no added sugars. Each is made with organic de-alcoholized Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As a bonus, the sparklers have been selected as the “World’s Best Alcohol-Free” at the 2022 World Sparkling Wine Awards. Friends Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger, Director of the Michelin Guide and Constance Jablonski, top model, devised the concept of French Bloom when they realized that there is a need for “non-alcoholic, festive and sophisticated drinks.”
Le Blanc ($39) is refreshing bubbly of organic Chardonnay. Aromas of tropical fruit lean in to flavors of spice, minerality and green apples and enjoyed with grilled seafood one evening, the pairing was a success. Le Rosé ($44) of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay boasts a lovely pink hue, bright acidity and flavors of raspberries, strawberries, roses and white stone fruit. This was delightful on its own, but was especially luscious with a cheese platter.
Sovi Wines
Vegan friendly and gluten free, Sovi Wines have less than .05 ABV and can be purchased in eco-friendly cans. Sovi is sustainably sourced from single-estate growers in Clarksburg AVA, a region just north of Napa Valley. Cost is $27.50 for a four-pack.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to a virtual tasting of Sovi Wines paired with cheese from award-winning fromagerie, Beehive Cheese.
The Sovi Sparkling White is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewurtztraminer and offers notes of green apple, lemon zest, white florals in a brut style. It was a remarkable pairing with Teahive cheese in a cheddar style rubbled with Earl Grey Tea and offered notes of butter, herbs and fruit. Sovi Sparkling Rosé, a blend of Pinot Noir and Tempranillo, was bright and bubbly with aromas of strawberry, watermelon and raspberries. Sipped with Barely Buzzed cheese rubbed with espresso and lavender, flavors of coffee, red florals and caramel, the pairing was a taste sensation.
Fauxmosa
Founded by Amanda Moore in 2020, mindful drinking is at the top of her list and Fauxmosa, a bubbly, no-alcohol mimosa with wine grape juice concentrates and more, aligns with her goals. Four flavors in cans are available: Orange with Tumeric, Cranberry with Hibiscus and Ginger, Pineapple with Lemon and Mint, and Grapefruit with Raspberry and Holy Basil and truth be told, I’m impressed with the flavor profiles.
Each is made with 100% all-natural ingredients (real fruit juice, botanicals, adaptogens), California grapes, and no additional sugar. All are GMO-free, gluten-free, vegan and have 100 calories. Price is $15.99 for a four-pack.
Cranberry Fauxmosa is a unique blend of Grenache and Chardonnay grape juice concentrates with flavors of tropical florals and savory spice. Orange Fauxmosa is ready for brunch with savory tastes of turmeric, orange juice and Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grape concentrates. Grapefruit Fauxmosa of Chardonnay grape juice concentrate offers subtle sweet grapefruit, basil and spice notes. For a no-alcohol trip to the islands, pour Pineapple Fauxmosa of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grape concentrates. I found slightly sweet pineapple, lemon zest and mint leaves in this refreshing drink. Serve chilled straight from the can or over ice with a straw. Enjoy!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
