By Leslie Sbrocco–
2022 Oceano Zero Alcohol Removed Pinot Noir, Spanish Springs Vineyard, California $55
I have been on the hunt for a while for non-alcoholic wines to recommend. So far what I have sampled have been grape juice-like sippers with little character. I enjoy plenty of N/A beer choices, but it has been tough to find a high-quality, alcohol-free wine worthy to sip, savor, and enjoy. Finally, I have found one!
My friend and vintner Rachel Martin of Oceano Wines makes stunning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (with full alcohol) from the westernmost vineyard site in San Luis Obispo on the central coast of California. Oceano’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are purity in a glass. Pristine flavors, vibrant acidity, and sleek elegance—truly an expression of place.
Rachel, however, set out to make a non-alcoholic, single-vineyard luxury wine (I know … sounds like a vinous oxymoron) that is delicious to drink. Well, damn, she did it!
Dubbed Oceano Zero Pinot Noir, it is being released in October. The wine looks like Pinot, smells like Pinot, and the hardest part … it tastes like high-end Pinot Noir, too.
I was impressed with the complexity and mouthfeel of the wine. Typically, without alcohol to deliver texture and flavor, N/A wines are simply thin and grapey. The 2022 Oceano Zero is one to seek out if you’re interested in sipping well but without the alcohol.
Starting October 1, consumers can find Oceano Zero online:
https://oceanowines.com/ and https://boisson.co/ and at select restaurants and retailers nationwide.
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area,” “Check, Please! You Gotta Try This!” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.”
Sbrocco Sips
Published on September 21, 2023
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