Saint Viviana and Oddbird’s Non-Alcoholic Reds
I’m the type who’s always eyed non-alcoholic wines with a fair dose of skepticism, as if they’re some imposter standing where a Bordeaux or Cabernet once poured its bold and brash heart into the glass. But when a package arrived at my door courtesy of The Zero Proof, I had to admit, I was intrigued.
The Zero Proof makes you feel you ‘re a part of an exclusive club, one that welcomes the wine lovers, the curious, the health-conscious, and everyone in between who wants the experience of wine without the alcohol.
So, I found myself with two contenders from their curated lineup: the Saint Viviana Cabernet and Oddbird’s GSM. For anyone who still believes non-alcoholic wines are a touch too timid, here’s a tale of two reds that might just convince you otherwise.
Saint Viviana Cabernet: A Cabernet That Knows How to Charm
Pour a glass of Saint Viviana’s Cabernet, and you’re greeted by the dark, almost moody hue that’s the hallmark of any self-respecting Cabernet. It’s an invitation to get a little closer.
The aromas waft up—blackberries, dark cherries, with a whisper of oak that calls to mind aged barrels and cozy cellars.
If you’re expecting the robust kick of tannins, you might feel it softly tapping instead of thundering in. And yes, I’ll admit, that mouthfeel—that elusive depth that red wines boast—is something Saint Viviana just can’t quite conjure.
But here’s the twist: despite that missing weight, the wine finds its rhythm. Saint Viviana’s Cabernet offers a pleasantly smooth texture with just enough tannic bite to keep you interested. Paired with something hearty—a bit of smoked cheese, maybe a mushroom risotto—it becomes more than the sum of its parts. For a non-alcoholic red, it holds its ground and does so with grace.
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Oddbird GSM: A Riff on Tradition
Oddbird, on the other hand, throws a bit of spice into the equation. Their GSM—Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—steps in with a bright, slightly rustic personality. It’s as if this bottle is saying, “Let’s not try too hard to be traditional.”
The aroma hints at blackberries and fresh plums, layered with an earthy, peppery twist that feels a bit like that seasoned traveler who knows their way around a good story.
Take a sip, and it’s light yet full of character. You won’t get the same heft as a classic GSM, but there’s something else: a vibrant playfulness that dances on the tongue and doesn’t apologize for its lighter frame. With the right accompaniments—a spread of olives, roasted red peppers, or a few slices of manchego—it finds a niche all its own.
Final Pour: The Evolving World of Non-Alcoholic Reds
Do Saint Viviana and Oddbird fully replicate the experience of a classic red? No, but here’s what’s remarkable: they capture the spirit, the taste, and even a bit of the romance. If you’re after the ceremony and the sensory cues of wine without the alcohol, these two do the job well. Thanks to The Zero Proof, I’ve realized that non-alcoholic wine isn’t some pale imitation; it’s a character study, a reinterpretation of the grape that doesn’t need to be bold to be memorable.
So, here’s my advice: pour a glass, sit back, and savor the taste of something a little different. Because sometimes, that’s where the best stories begin.
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