Tasting Profile
Appearance. A very deep ruby red.[4]
Nose. Characteristic varietal aromas of jammy fruit, blackcurrant, morello cherry, vanilla and clove.[4]
Palate. The palate is dominated by fruit and underpinned by a firm tannic structure. Spicy, peppery notes give warmth. The finish is long and lingering, with clove.[5]
Structure. Structural points stated by the sources:[5]
- Tannin: firm
- Length: long, lingering finish of clove
Composition & Vinification
The Alcofree product listing gives the ingredients as: infusion of grape seed, yeast extract, Cabernet Sauvignon juice, citric acid, natural aromas, and ascorbic acid.[3]
Cabernet Sauvignon Juice -- Varietal Base. The grape is Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from France. Alcofree describes the grapes as organic.[3]
Provenance & Sourcing
Specifications. Ôpia Cabernet Sauvignon is an organic, alcohol-free red grape drink, labeled 0% alcohol. The Alcofree listing gives its strength as 0.0% ABV and states the following values per 100ml:[3],[5]
- Energy: 82kJ / 20kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g (of which sugar 5g)
- Salt: 0.02g
Ingredients Policy. The drink is certified organic and vegan, including USDA Organic certification. It is labeled as having no sulphites added, as pesticide free, and as containing no preservatives.[5]
Production Philosophy
Ôpia's Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape drink built on extraction rather than on wine. Its colour and tannin come from a hot maceration at around 75°C, which the sources call a pre-fermentation maceration, used to speed the extraction of colouring matter and tannins from the grapes.[1]
Aromatic complexity is then developed through ageing with infusions of organic seeds and French oak.[2]
The retailer Alcofree describes it as an unfermented drink made from organic grapes without any sulphites. In that account, it does not originate from fermented wine.[3]