Château La Coste is a French winery nestled in the heart of Provence. Now that sounds lovely, doesn’t it? One can just imagine driving along a poplar-lined driveway (ideally in an open-topped car) to pull up outside an 18th-century chateau in vineyard-lined grounds. Well, I’m not doing that at present, so I’ll just have to drink wines from such a place and imagine. That’s where Nooh by La Coste Rosé comes in.
It’s not the most budget-friendly non-alcoholic wine out there, but one hopes that’s because a non-alcoholic option from an esteemed winery brings a lot to the glass. Let’s find out.
Appearance
First up, one has to say that Nooh by La Coste Rosé looks good. Very good. It’s got a lovely pale, almost translucent pink colour in the glass. It’s giving off sense impressions of roses beneath peach trees. It looks like it should be sipped under those polar trees on a sunny French afternoon. It’s a light, refined appearance, with excellent clarity.
Aroma
The aroma of Nooh by La Coste Rosé is a very pleasant blend of fruity and floral notes. Opening with scents of wild strawberries and raspberries, it immediately gives a burst of summer fruits. Subtle hints of peach and grapefruit follow, adding depth. Floral nuances, including rose petals, provide an backstop to the fruitiness. You might also detect a whiff of minerality, as is characteristic of many Provençal wines.
Taste
Those fruits are also pleasingly forthright on the palate when you first sip this non-alcoholic rosé. Juicy strawberries and tart raspberries take centre stage. These are complemented by softer undertones of white peach and a touch of pink grapefruit, which add balance and a hint of zestiness. As one would expect from a Provence wine, the fruitiness is balanced with a crisp acidity, something this non-alcoholic version manages to retain well. That vacuum distillation process is earning its coin here in terms of preserving flavours. Seasoned drinkers may find the mid-palate slightly thin, but I think, on the whole, this is a mouthful,m of impressive flavour.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of Nooh by La Coste Rosé is light and silky, with a pleasing smoothness. Despite its lightness, there’s enough substance to prevent it from feeling watery. Plus, the acidity adds a crisp edge that enlivens the palate.
Finish
The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering notes of those red berries and a subtle citrus tang from the grapefruit tones. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, making it an ideal choice for easygoing sipping. A delicate minerality emerges in the aftertaste, tying the wine back to its Provençal roots and providing a subtle layer of complexity.
Pairing Suggestions
Combining that fruity zing with a corresponding acidity makes Nooh by La Coste Rosé compatible with lots of different foods. Seafood would work, as would something like a classic Niçoise salad. Tomato and basil bruschetta, or a light couscous salad with herbs and pomegranate seeds would also be excellent pairings. If you want to serve with a cheese board, include some cherries or raspberries on the side of milder, creamy cheeses.
Overall Impressions of Nooh by La Coste Rosé
You can really detect the craftsmanship in Nooh by La Coste Rosé. Given the reputation of the winery, that might not be unexpected. But often non-alcoholic wines from established wineries can seem like an afterthought. Here, it smells and tastes like a lot of thought and consideration has been expended to get a non-alcoholic rosé wine that captures a lot of the terroir of the Provence region. A balanced palate and a refreshing, if short, finish, make it a very refined option for mindful drinkers. Oh, and it’s vegan-friendly and gluten-free too.