1920 Wines is an Australian brand with a singular focus: non-alcoholic wines. They take their name from the year that prohibition began in the United States – an era that seems a fitting inspiration for their unique offering. With a quirky Art Deco font and minimalist design on the labels, they’ve managed to blend style with simplicity for the 1920 Wines Rosé.
Their rosé uses grapes from South Australia and makes for a good-looking bottle. But, as we know, it’s what’s inside that counts.
So, let’s take a deeper look at how this non-alcoholic rosé measures up.
Appearance
Pouring 1920 Wines’ rosé into the glass reveals a lovely pale coral hue, evocative of classic Provencal rosés. The wine’s clarity, coupled with subtle glints of pink, creates an elegant presentation. While the colour is delicate, it’s undeniably attractive. The legs are short, as expected from a rosé, but the wine’s visual appeal is certainly there.
Aroma
The aromatic experience begins with delicate red fruit notes, predominantly strawberry, with hints of red currant that gracefully rise from the glass. Beneath these fruity scents, there are undertones of citrus blossom and a subtle whisper of green apple, adding a pleasant layer of complexity. The nose is light and inviting, creating a sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
Taste
On the first sip, 1920 Wines’ rosé reveals a refined and well-balanced flavour profile. Ripe strawberries take centre stage, followed by subtle watermelon undertones that enhance the fruitiness. There’s also a faint note of almond blossom and rose petals, giving the wine a soft floral touch. While it might not be the most dramatic or bold rosé, it’s undeniably drinkable – easy to enjoy and well-rounded.
Mouthfeel
The wine presents a light and smooth mouthfeel, making it incredibly easy to drink. It’s not overly sweet or cloying, and it flows effortlessly across the palate. The texture is soft, ensuring that the wine remains approachable and refreshing without overwhelming the senses.
Finish
The finish is clean and crisp, with a subtle sweetness that lingers briefly on the palate. The balance is commendable, though the finish does fall a touch short in terms of length, which might detract from the overall depth of the experience. A little more lingering complexity could elevate it further, but it remains a pleasant and refreshing conclusion.
Pairing Suggestions
1920 Wines’ non-alcoholic rosé lends itself well to a variety of dishes. Its bright acidity and fruit-forward character make it an excellent match for a Mediterranean salad or a platter of fresh bruschetta. Seafood dishes like grilled prawns or a light ceviche would complement its refreshing qualities perfectly. For dessert, consider pairing it with a berry-infused sorbet or any fruity dessert – its fruit-forward nature will harmonise beautifully with such pairings.
Overall Impression
If you were living in prohibition times, unable to access moonshine, and craving a rosé – would you drink this one? Absolutely.
Even without the restrictions of an alcohol ban, 1920 Wines’ non-alcoholic rosé holds its own as a very pleasant option. While subtle on the palate with a slightly truncated finish, what’s present is very enjoyable. The complexity of the aroma stands out, and the wine’s solid flavour profile makes it an excellent choice for casual sipping. I can easily picture myself enjoying a glass of this, perhaps with a serene view of the water (for some reason, that just feels like the perfect setting).