Barton & Guestier are a big deal in wine-making. A history of more than 200 years will do that for you. And at present they state that they sell their wines into more than 130 countries around the world. So we’re not talking boutique here. They’re based near Bordeaux and source grapes from many of the best vineyards in France. They don’t produce many non-alcoholic wines, but the Barton & Guestier Sparkling is probably their flagship NA product. It’s made from Muscat grapes and is also vegan-friendly.
How does that rich history of wine-making feed into a non-alcoholic option from a French wine powerhouse? Let’s take a sip and see.
Appearance
The first thing that stands out about Barton & Guestier Sparkling is its clarity. It’s got a sort of white gold colour and not a spot of sediment in sight, so it looks very “pure”. It feels like this reflects a precision of method in its manufacture, but I may be projecting. The bubbles are delicate yet abundant. They are not overly intense, offering a gentle effervescence, which again, makes the appearance of this non-alcoholic sparkling wine seem somehow refined.
Aroma
On the nose, Barton & Guestier Sparkling is pretty aromatic. There’s a good balance between the fruity and floral notes that you’d expect of a Muscat wine. I got green apple, lemon zest and pear alongside white blossoms. There is a decent hit of yeastiness as you continue to inhale. If the aroma is a little restrained compared to a traditional sparkling wine, the freshness and fruit-forward characteristics are still evident and enjoyable. Subtle but also refined.
Taste
On the palate, Barton & Guestier Sparkling displays the typical Muscat notes straight off the bat. So, it is on the sweet side, but still manages to be crisp and clean. Quite the feat to pull off. The initial impression is dominated by green apple and lemon, with a subtle touch of pear behind them. These zesty flavours are balanced by a slight sweetness that adds roundness to the wine, but as I say it’s not overpowering or cloying. While the absence of alcohol means the wine is lighter in body compared to a traditional sparkling wine, Barton & Guestier has crafted a drink that still offers enough complexity to be very satisfying indeed.
Mouthfeel
There’s nothing cloying about the mouthfeel of Barton & Guestier Sparkling. At the risk of repeating myself, it has a refreshing crispness to it. The mouthfeel is light and airy, which makes the wine easy to sip. It’s the acidity that plays the main role in this, offering a clean sensation that lifts the fruit flavours. So, not full-bodied or rich like traditional sparkling wines, but well-balanced and not “sticky” despite its sweet characteristics.
Finish
The finish of Barton & Guestier Sparkling is clean and crisp. Short, yes, but clean and crisp all the same. Any lingering notes are those citrus and green apple ones. You might also get a flash of minerality at the end. While the finish is not as complex or long-lasting as you would find in an alcoholic sparkling wine, the lightness is, I think, intended as part of its appeal, in line with its fresh flavoured characteristics.
Pairing Suggestions
The sense of refinement that Barton & Guestier Sparkling has means it would do very well as the non-alcoholic alternative on a welcoming tray at an event. Served alongside some hors d’oeuvres, perhaps featuring some with goat’s cheese, it would hold its end up well. You could easily use it to make a toast! Its bright flavour profile would also mean you could serve it alongside oysters or a shrimp cocktail, or perhaps a citrus-dressed salad.
Overall Impressions of Barton & Guestier Sparkling
I’m not normally a fan of sweeter wines, like Muscat. And with the tendency for a lot of non-alcoholic wines to err towards sweetness anyway, I was a bit trepidatious about this one. However, Barton & Guestier Sparkling manages to keep that sweetness in check and foreground this crisp and more acid notes of apple and citrus. Add in a fine effervescence and clean finish, and you’ve got yourself a high-quality choice if you’re looking for a light, alcohol-free alternative sparkling wine. Now, what shall we toast to?