I just like the name. Oddbird. It’s not really a play on words or a pun. It’s not a complex riddle or a nod to the non-alcoholic nature of the product. It’s just, well, nice. Say it out loud. See. And this Scandinavian brand is doing good things in the NA space. Oddbird Spumante Prosecco is made with grapes sourced from Italy and the wine apparently follows traditional fermentation techniques before being de-alcoholised. The brand also seeks to make their wines as sustainable as possible.
How does that focus on sustainability and tradition play out in the glass? Let’s have a taste.
Appearance
Oddbird Spumante Prosecco pours a pale straw yellow. The faint greenish hues on the edge are characteristic of young, fresh Prosecco and add to its visual appeal. It comes with fine streams of effervescence that are delicate yet persistent. Sure, some sparkling wines are going to have more of a rough and tumble in the glass when it comes to their bubbles, but I like the restrained nature of this one’s
Aroma
The aroma of this non-alcoholic sparkling wine is bright and inviting. First up, you get a noseful of green apple, ripe pear and white peach. Stick with it and hints of elderflower and citrus zest add themselves to the bouquet. A mineral undertone reminiscent of wet stone grounds those fruit and floral notes. I find the aromatic profile is pretty authentic, closely mirroring that of its alcoholic counterparts.
Taste
On the palate, Oddbird Spumante Prosecco delivers the crisp and refreshing flavours that aroma suggested. Green apple, lemon and pear dominate the forefront, with softer notes of white peach adding sweetness. The wine’s bright acidity ensures that these flavours remain balanced and are not cloying. There’s a pleasing minerality that elevates the wine beyond a simple fruit-forward profile. However, as with many non-alcoholic wines, the mid-palate may feel slightly lighter than expected, a natural consequence of the absence of alcohol. Despite this, the wine’s flavours are clean and focused.
Mouthfeel
I like the soft and silky mouthfeel of this wine. The bubbles aren’t overly aggressive and the body is light but nicely structured. While the lack of alcohol results in a slightly less rounded and full-bodied mouthfeel, there is a smoothness that makes it exceptionally easy to drink.
Finish
The finish of Oddbird Spumante Prosecco is a crisp farewell of refreshing notes of citrus and green apple. That subtle mineral edge also lingers on the palate. The wine’s lightness ensures that the finish is refreshing rather than heavy.
Pairing Suggestions
To be honest, I reckon Oddbird Spumante Prosecco works best as an aperitif. It’s got a decently complex flavour profile that stands up to standalone drinking. If you did want to much something alongside, you could do worse than add smoked salmon canapés, marinated olives, or light bruschetta with tomato and basil into the mix. I’d probably avoid serving it with a main, but you could have a cheeky glass alongside a dessert like a classic Italian panna cotta.
Overall Impressions of Oddbird Spumante Prosecco
Oddbird Spumante Prosecco makes a good stab at capturing the essence of traditional Prosecco while offering an inclusive option for non-drinkers. I like that the effervescence is elegant rather than overpowering, and that the fruit-forward flavours are balanced with a certain minerality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a light and enjoyable beverage, you could be a lot worse.