Chardonnay Effervescent

Appearance. Pale yellow with a bright silver core and brilliant silvery reflections. The bubbles are delicate, fine and persistent.^[5]

Nose. Fresh, crunchy aromas of white flowers, green apple and white pear dominate, combined with citrus fruits including lemon and buttery notes.^[5]

Palate. A creamy mousse and mouthfeel carry subtle citrus flavours. Ôpia describes the finish as exceptionally fresh.^[2]

The photographed back label lists the ingredients as: Infusion of grape seed (Organic) 59.80%, Grape juice (Organic Chardonnay grape) 40%, Citric acid (E330) 0.08%, Carbonic Gas (CO2) 0.06%, Natural aromas 0.05%, Ascorbic Acid (E300) 0.01%.^[1]

Infusion of Grape Seed (Organic). The largest component on the photographed label, at 59.80%.^[1]

Organic Chardonnay Grape Juice. Listed at 40% on the photographed label. Ôpia states that the Chardonnay grapes used for ÔPIA are grown in the South of France using organic agriculture. It also states that ÔPIA grapes are harvested at optimum ripeness during the night, so that cool temperatures preserve their aromatic finesse.

Citric Acid (E330). Listed at 0.08% on the photographed label.^[1]

Carbonic Gas (CO2). Listed at 0.06% on the photographed label.^[1]

Natural Aromas. Listed at 0.05% on the photographed label.^[1]

Ascorbic Acid (E300). Listed at 0.01% on the photographed label.^[1]

Specifications. Ôpia presents Chardonnay Effervescent as a sparkling organic alcohol-free drink, guaranteed at 0% alcohol. The Natural Grocery Store listing gives its labelled nutritional declaration per 100 ml.^[6],[7]

• Classification: sparkling organic alcohol-free drink
• ABV: 0% (guaranteed alcohol-free)
• Energy: 82 kJ / 20 kcal per 100 ml
• Carbohydrate: 5 g, of which sugars 5 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g, of which saturates 0 g
• Salt: 0.02 g

Ingredients Policy. Ôpia states that Chardonnay Effervescent is certified organic and vegan, including USDA Organic certification. It also states that the drink has no sulphites added, contains no preservatives and is pesticide-free. The Natural Grocery Store categorizes it as organic, vegan, vegetarian and dairy free.^[6]

At range level, Ôpia states that the grapes and production process for ÔPIA comply with specifications from the certifying body Ecocert. It also states that the range is halal certified. According to Ôpia, no animal-based products are used in production, and it avoids the wine fining practice of clarifying with egg whites.^[4],[8],[9]

Chardonnay Effervescent is Ôpia's sparkling Chardonnay, and it is made without fermentation. The photographed bottle label describes it as an organic, carbonated ("gazeified"), non-fermented Chardonnay grape juice. ÔPIA wines as a range are unfermented and take their taste from infusions and complex grape maceration.^[1]

The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed. The skins are then cold-macerated at around 4°C for 8 hours before pressing, to extract polyphenols, anthocyanins, tannins, resveratrols, minerals and aromatic headnotes. Aromatic complexity follows from maturing with infusions of organic seeds and French oak.^[2]

According to Ôpia, a dosage liqueur made from organic Chardonnay musts is added before bottling, in a manner similar to champagne production, and this dosage creates the mousse. Pressure is obtained by injecting natural carbonated gas at low temperature to produce delicate, persistent bubbles.^[3],[4]

Shelf Life. Ôpia states that its entire range is pasteurized by natural methods during bottling, without chemical preservatives, giving it a storage potential of 5 years.