It’s a bold brand name. Kinda sounds like a cult to me. Or a think tank (not sure which is worse, to be honest). But you have to admire the commitment. No one is confusing them with purveyors of alcohol, are they? Name aside, this winemaker is quite boutique and sources its grapes from across Australia – but only if said grapes are organic. So the Sobriety Society Blanc de Blancs is good for you and the environment. It’s also vegan if that is important to you.
Of course, none of that matters if it doesn’t taste good. So let’s take a sip and see how their commitment to organic NA wine turns out in the glass.
Appearance
Initial appearances are encouraging. Sobriety Society Blanc de Blancs has a pale, sunlit gold hue that glimmers in the glass. Its clarity is pristine. The effervescence is steady, creating a delicate mousse. It definitely looks like care and precision has been taken in making it. But as we all know, appearances can be deceptive…
Aroma
On the nose, those doubts prove unfounded. Sobriety Society Blanc de Blancs is vibrant and aromatic. It’s dominant tones are of green apple, lemon zest and white peach. These fruit-forward notes are complemented by subsequent, subtle hints of honeysuckle and brioche. There’s also a delicate mineral undertone that adds depth. Perhaps the aroma doesn’t quite evolve as dynamically in the glass as some traditional sparkling wines, but it is fresh, clean, and true to the Blanc de Blancs style.
Taste
On the palate, Sobriety Society Blanc de Blancs delivers that crisp and refreshing flavour profile one would expect from the varietal. Those notes of tart green apple and zesty lemon that were on the nose also take centre stage here, with softer undertones of white peach and pear adding a touch of sweetness. The flavours are bright and well-defined, with a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine balanced. There’s a pleasing subtlety to its fruit-forward character, allowing the mineral backbone to come through and provide structure.
Mouthfeel
I’d call it an elegant mouthfeel. The persistent bubbles are fine enough that they don’t overwhelm, and the wine’s light body ensures it remains refreshing and easy to drink. The texture is soft and polished, with no hint of syrupiness or cloying sweetness that can sometimes detract from non-alcoholic sparkling wines. Instead, it maintains a clean and crisp quality throughout – even if a touch on the light side.
Finish
The finish of Sobriety Society Blanc de Blancs is nice and dry. A faint mineral edge provides a sense of refinement, while the gentle effervescence is refreshing. The note that linger most is the lemon zest. It’s not super-long, but it is satisfying.
Pairing Suggestions
As a standalone serving Sobriety Society Blanc de Blancs would be a good choice for a social gathering as an option for those looking to forgo alcohol. It’s got enough going on to feel celebratory. I’d also think it would go well on the side of a high tea, one with salmon hors d’oeuvres and cucumber sandwiches. Also, try it alongside freshly shucked oysters. For mains, it would go well with seafood dishes like lemon-herb prawns or a scallop risotto. Vegetarian options such as asparagus tart, zucchini noodles with pesto, or a citrus-dressed salad would also suit its crisp character.
Overall Impressions of Sobriety Society Blanc de Blancs
Sobriety Society Blanc de Blancs is a very good example of what can be achieved with in non-alcoholic winemaking with care and attention. Vibrant flavours. Refined effervescence. Elegant appearance. Check, check and check. This one doesn’t feel like very much of a compromise from the experience you’d get drinking an alcoholic version – which is just what you want.