Organic, vegan-friendly and sulphite-free nonalcoholic wines. That’s a trio of impressive characteristics right there, and they’re the ideals that guide this French winery. Opia Sparkling Chardonnay is, like their other wines, produced using a unique proprietary technique to remove the booze, supposedly to retain more of the grapes’ characteristics.
So Opia aims to provide a premium experience for those avoiding or cutting back on alcohol. Noble goals, indeed, so let’s see how well they match up with them.
Appearance
Pouring a glass of Opia Sparkling Chardonnay immediately reveals an attractive visual appeal. Layman’s terms: it looks good. The wine is a pale golden colour, reminiscent of a classic sparkling wine, with soft green reflections on the edge, in line with what you’d expect from a Chardonnay. The effervescence is delicate yet persistent, with fine bubbles rising steadily to the surface, and the mousse is pleasantly refined.
Aroma
On the nose, it offers up a mild fragrance, but one that balances freshness with a hint of depth. The first impression is a mix of green apple, pear and citrus: classic Chardonnay characteristics. There’s also a floral element, with subtle notes of white blossom. As the aroma develops, hints of brioche and almond emerge. While these are typically associated with traditional sparkling wines that undergo fermentation and ageing on lees, Opia manages to capture some of that complexity despite its unique production process. The aroma lacks some of the yeasty, toasty depth found in traditional sparkling wines. However, for an alcohol-free alternative, it still offers a well-balanced nose.
Taste
Opia Sparkling Chardonnay leans heavily into its fruit-driven nature when it arrives on the palate. The initial sip brings forward crisp green apple, ripe pear and zesty lemon notes. Combined with the effervescence, it’s a wake-up call for the old tastebuds. As the flavours unfold, a bit of minerality emerges, as well as a hint of honey (although without making it overly sweet). It’s very easy to drink. Partly that’s because it lacks the weight of a traditional, alcoholic sparkling, but also because the wine is clean and not overly burdened.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of Opia Sparkling Chardonnay is light and effervescent, with a fine bubble structure that creates a refreshing texture. The carbonation is well-integrated, avoiding the overly aggressive fizz that can sometimes overwhelm alcohol-free sparkling wines (almost like they’re trying to compensate for the absence of something!). Instead, it provides a gentle liveliness that enhances the wine’s crispness. The body is on the lighter side, which is expected given the lack of fermentation and alcohol. This makes it incredibly easy to drink, but it also means that those seeking the weight and creaminess of a traditional sparkling wine might find it a little lacking. However, the balanced acidity and slight hint of natural grape tannins help prevent it from feeling too thin.
Finish
The finish of Opia Sparkling Chardonnay nicely refreshing. It is relatively short compared to traditional sparkling wines, but there are some traces of citrus, green apple and a touch of almond that stick around for a bit. The acidity remains bright throughout, though, giving the wine a crisp, palate-cleansing quality.
Pairing Suggestions
This non-alcoholic Chardonnay can, I reckon, be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. In terms of the latter, its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit make it a great match for fresh, light dishes. So we’re talking things like oysters, prawns, and grilled white fish. Maybe a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus or a simple grilled chicken dish. On the cheese front, I’d be tempted to serve alongside a goat’s cheese or brie.
Overall Impressions of Opia Sparkling Chardonnay
Opia Sparkling Chardonnay is certainly a refreshing non-alcoholic option. With its bright fruit, crisp acidity and fine bubbles, it provides an enjoyable and somewhat sophisticated experience. I don’t think it quite manages to elevate itself into the premium bracket for non-alcoholic sparkling wines, but as an organic, vegan-friendly and sulphite-free NA tipple, it’s inclusive and versatile. You couldn’t go far wrong having a bottle of this in the fridge for a lazy Friday night.