It’s always nice to see vintage-dated non-alcoholic wines — just like with standard wines, it tends to be a badge of quality in the NA space. Society De La Rassi is made from 100% chardonnay grapes grown in La Mancha, Alcázar de San Juan, Spain, after which the vinified wine is vacuum distilled to remove alcohol before the reintroduction of grape must to the amount of 1.2 grams/liter, giving it a touch of sweetness. It’s presented as a “Neue Brut” sparkler and is best enjoyed as an aperitif.
The wine is quite sharp up front, with top notes of fresh lemon, followed by a slight industrial quality that borders on Lemon Pledge. Green apple notes build after the initial citrus rush fades, with a gentle touch of white flowers and a grind of chalky minerals. The finish finds a mix of greenery lingering, including rosemary and thyme. There’s a slight apple cider vinegar note present throughout that stands in for the alcohol — common in NA wines — but it’s not unpleasant, imparting a gentle tang that otherwise distracts you from the lack of booziness. Well done!
A- / $65 / societydelarassi.com
2023 Society de la Rassi Neue Brut Sparkling Chardonnay Dealcoholised
$65
