Ariel Vineyards, based in California, has been in the non-alcoholic wine business since 1985. The Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon non-alcoholic red wine is made from grapes harvested from the J Lohr certified sustainable vineyard in their home state. They follow a traditional winemaking process, including fermentation and barrel ageing before using a reverse-osmosis process to de-alcoholise the wine without removing – in theory – the Cabernet Sauvignon’s fruity fullness.
So let’s have a taste and see how they manage in that noble goal.
Appearance
Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep ruby-red hue, which is pretty reminiscent of a full-bodied red wine. The colour contains hints of purple at the edges and has an excellent level of clarity, free from cloudiness or sediment. Perhaps that meticulous production process was worth it? The wine’s legs form gently, but they don’t linger as long as those in alcoholic wines, as would be expected. However, overall it looks very inviting in the glass.
Aroma
The aroma of Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon is also inviting. It offers up an initial bouquet of dark fruit notes such as blackcurrant, ripe plum and black cherry. These are balanced with subtle herbal undertones, reminiscent of eucalyptus and tobacco. A gentle hint of oak brings a touch of warmth to the nose. The aroma profile is generally well-defined, even if slightly more restrained than its alcoholic counterparts. It does, however, deliver a freshness that is very pleasant.
Taste
On the palate, Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon has a solid structure. The dark fruit flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry are prominent, followed by hints of cherry and plum that bring a certain sweetness to the wine. These fruit elements are complemented by that subtle touch of oak. The tannins are present but not overpowering, and the acidity is crisp enough. Granted, the body is a touch lighter than an alcoholic Cabernet, but for an NA version it is satisfyingly robust.
Mouthfeel
That decent level of robustness continues into the mouthfeel. I’d call it medium-bodied, so you get that velvety texture, with the tannins providing enough structure to create a balanced sensation.The acidity adds a bright and refreshing lift, preventing the wine from feeling flat or overly simple.
Finish
The finish of Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon is clean and smooth. Any lingering notes are those of dark fruit and a subtle oak. The tannins fade gently, leaving behind a refreshing, slightly fruity aftertaste that is pleasant but not overly long. As such, it doesn’t overwhelm the palate but leaves a decent impression.
Pairing Suggestions
Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon has enough heft to it to stand up to hearty meat dishes, such as lamb chops and steak. The slightly smoky oak finish would also complement charred vegetables and roasted dishes. For vegetarian options, try pairing it with suitably hearty dishes like mushroom risotto.
Overall Impressions of Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon
Ariel have made a very decent stab at producing a non-alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers the varietal’s characteristics. While it may not possess the full-bodied richness or complexity of its alcoholic counterpart, it remains an excellent choice as a well-balanced NA red wine. Its smooth mouthfeel, balanced acidity, and well-integrated fruit and oak notes make it a very enjoyable sip.