I’m not going to mention the name. I mean, it rhymes. Let’s leave it at that and move on. Funky Monkey was established in 2008 in the picturesque Napa Valley, California, a region renowned for its rich winemaking history and diverse terroir. The winery’s vineyards span across the valley, taking full advantage of the region’s varied microclimates and soils, which allows them to harvest at the optimal time for ripeness. The company has brought this same approach to their non-alcoholic offerings, with their Funky Monkey Blanc de Blancs being one of the most popular in their range.
So, how does it measure up?
Let’s dive in.
Taste
Funky Monkey Blanc de Blanc immediately impresses with its crisp and refreshing taste. The first sip reveals a bright medley of green apple, pear, and citrus, with a zesty freshness that makes it an enjoyable choice for warm weather. The taste also carries a pleasant acidity, balancing out a gentle sweetness that’s reminiscent of honeysuckle. This wine leans more toward the sweeter end of the Blanc de Blanc spectrum, which could be a defining factor depending on your taste preferences. For those who prefer a more delicate, less sweet profile, this may not be your ideal wine, but for those who appreciate a fruity, accessible sparkling wine, it certainly delivers. The sweetness is never overpowering, however, and it complements the acidity in a way that keeps the wine from feeling too sugary or cloying.
Appearance
When poured, Funky Monkey Blanc de Blanc displays a lovely straw-coloured hue that catches the light beautifully. The effervescence is noticeable, with a steady stream of bubbles rising from the base of the glass, but, as expected, the legs aren’t quite as lingering as those you might find in a traditional alcoholic version. The clarity of the wine is impressive, giving it an elegant look. While it may not have the same depth of colour or persistence in the bubbles as a full-strength sparkling wine, it still has a visually appealing, refreshing presence in the glass. The effervescence plays a crucial role in mimicking the experience of drinking a sparkling wine, making the overall presentation quite enjoyable.
Aroma
The aroma of Funky Monkey Blanc de Blanc is bright and inviting, with prominent notes of green apples and citrus, creating a lively, fresh bouquet. There’s a floral undertone that adds to the wine’s light and crisp profile, making it smell both refreshing and sophisticated. It’s similar to the aromatic profile you’d find in a traditional Blanc de Blanc, but with a slight twist – the non-alcoholic version tends to be a bit more fruit-forward and sweet, which lends it a unique character. While this fruit-forward dimension may deviate from what you might expect from a classic Blanc de Blanc, it still offers a pleasant fragrance that makes you want to take another sniff. The floral elements help balance the fruitiness, keeping the wine from feeling too overly sweet on the nose. Overall, it’s a crisp, fruity aroma with just enough complexity to keep things interesting.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of Funky Monkey Blanc de Blancs is one of its strongest attributes. It’s lively and effervescent, much like a traditional sparkling wine, and the absence of alcohol is barely noticeable. The bubbles provide a gentle fizz that gives the wine a clean, refreshing texture on the palate. The mouthfeel is crisp, which makes it incredibly drinkable, especially when served chilled. However, the wine does lack some of the nuances you’d find in more aged or fermented wines, where the texture can be richer and more complex. That being said, the lightness of Funky Monkey makes it easy to enjoy, and its refreshing quality is perfect for casual sipping. It’s not heavy or overly complex, but that’s exactly what makes it an accessible, easy-to-drink option, particularly for those who may not usually drink alcohol.
Finish
The finish of Funky Monkey Blanc de Blancs is clean and refreshing, with a subtle hint of citrus zest lingering on the palate. It doesn’t hang around too long, but that’s part of its charm – it’s quick, light, and leaves you wanting another sip. This short but pleasant finish makes it a great option to pair with food, as it doesn’t dominate the palate and allows other flavours to shine. The wine’s crisp finish also complements its light, refreshing nature, keeping the drinking experience clean and uncomplicated. It’s not overly robust or complex, but it’s satisfying in its simplicity.
Pairing Suggestions
Funky Monkey Blanc de Blanc’s light and refreshing character makes it an excellent companion for seafood. The wine’s acidity and touch of sweetness work wonderfully alongside oysters, shrimp, or scallops, balancing out the salty and marine flavours. For vegetarians, it pairs well with dishes like roasted vegetable platters or goat cheese salads, where its fruity freshness can enhance the flavours of the vegetables and cheese. Given its light body, this wine also works well as an aperitif, making it a versatile choice for a variety of occasions. However, I would avoid pairing it with heavy, rich dishes, as its lighter profile might not stand up to more intense flavours. It’s best enjoyed with light, fresh foods that complement its refreshing qualities.
Overall Impressions of Funky Monkey Blanc de Blancs
Funky Monkey Blanc de Blancs certainly captures something of the Napa Valley winemaking tradition, albeit in a non-alcoholic form. It’s important to understand that the comparison between non-alcoholic sparkling wines and their alcoholic counterparts isn’t necessarily about which one is better or worse; it’s about personal preference and the reasons behind choosing a non-alcoholic alternative. Traditional Blanc de Blanc wines are celebrated for their varietal expression, showcasing the unique characteristics of Chardonnay grapes.
Non-alcoholic versions, like Funky Monkey, may struggle to capture this same varietal essence due to the absence of alcohol. However, this wine still offers a pleasant drinking experience, with its crisp, light, and refreshing profile. While it may not fully replicate the depth and complexity of an alcoholic Blanc de Blanc, it’s a lovely, easy-to-drink alternative that offers enough fruity sweetness and acidity to keep you engaged. It’s ideal as an aperitif or a light accompaniment to seafood and vegetarian dishes. Overall, Funky Monkey’s Blanc de Blanc is a delightful, non-alcoholic sparkling wine that’s light, crisp, and enjoyable.