Freixenet is a name synonymous with sparkling wines. You’ve probably come across their cava on an off-licence shelf, almost regardless of where you live. Hailing from Spain, they have, how do you say, “maximised their reach”, and are a pretty global brand at this stage. So many of their products have a broad market appeal. Freixenet Sparkling Rosé is one of their NA bottles that aims to increase that appeal with those who are trying to cut down on their booze intake.
They use traditional wines and then remove the alcohol, so let’s see what that does to the nose and flavour.
Appearance
In the glass, Freixenet Sparkling Rosé is appealing. It’s got a pale pink hue much like, yes, the colour of a rose petal. It’s not a deep colour, but there’s no cloudiness and the bubbles, while fine, are persistent for a decent length of time for an NA option.
Aroma
I like the nose on Freixenet alcohol-removed Sparkling Rosé. It opens with a fresh bouquet of red fruit aromas, particularly strawberry, raspberry and cranberry. And these fruity scents are complemented by subtle floral notes of rose and hibiscus.There’s also, I think, a very slight hint of citrus underneath it all. It smells fresh. Intense? No, but what is there is very pleasant.
Taste
As with the aroma, the primary flavours are of those red fruits. Freixenet alcohol-removed Sparkling Rosé delivers a crisp and lively taste that mirrors its aromatic profile. The initial sip is marked by notes of red berries before that citrus undertone makes itself known. The wine’s acidity is well-integrated, giving it a clean and balanced taste that is not too sharp. Overall, it’s crisp and enjoyable to sip.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of Freixenet Sparkling Rosé is very light. The bubbles are delicate. Which all makes for a soft texture on the palate. Its balanced acidity provides a crispness that enhances the drinkability. The overall mouthfeel is clean and well-structured, though it may not have the weight and complexity typically associated with alcoholic sparkling wines.
Finish
The finish of this non-alcoholic sparkling rosé is clean and crisp. You get some lingering notes of red berries and a touch of citrus, but they don’t hang around for too long. So while the finish is not as long or complex as that of a traditional sparkling rosé, it does leave the palate feeling refreshed.
Pairing Suggestions
Freixenet Sparkling Rosé, because it doesn’t have the liveliest effervescence, can go okay with food as a sparkling wine. I would probably still keep the accompanying fare light though. So try it with things like fresh seafood appetisers or a shrimp cocktail. I reckon you could go a lot worse than serving alongside a starter of grilled asparagus, before moving onto more robust wines with a main course.
Overall Impressions of Freixenet Sparkling Rosé
Freixenet Sparkling Rosé is a well-crafted non-alcoholic sparkling wine. It is certainly a lighter option, but it is easy-drinking and refreshing. The brand is kind of all about mass-market appeal, so perhaps one shouldn’t expect an intense and complex drinking experience from their non-alcoholic options. This NA sparkling rosé is certainly an inclusive option, as it doesn’t lean too heavily into any particular sphere of flavour. It’s crisp and approachable, which can’t be bad.