Wine Guy: Zero Proof Nostalgia

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The push toward non-alcoholic tipples continues apace, and one of the really great things about this increased interest has been the accompanying motivation from wineries and breweries to craft up delicious low- and non-alcoholic options. From sad, side-of-the-desk attempts at booze free potables — no more near-beer please — we have evolved to some really interesting zero-alcohol options. But how do these alt-beers and wines fare when it comes to nostalgic sipping? 

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Strange Fellows Never The Less Non-Alcoholic IPA, East Vancouver

($10.49 for four-355mL cans, available through the brewery and select stores)

Not going to lie, there was hesitation when I saw non-alcoholic IPA beers showing up on shelves. IPA remains the preeminent canon when it comes to considering West Coast micro beer, or craft beer, or whatever you want to call it. West Coast IPA put local craft beer on the map. But the first sip of Strange Fellow’s new Never The Less IPA (joining their Pale Ale) provided some real comfort. This is not a one-for-one replacement, yet this hazy, extremely aromatic — think fruity, citrus, and hoppy — alt-IPA is legitimately its own beverage. A bitter entry and sharp stance leads to a snappy mid-palate and a fresh, still bitter finish. 

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Bottom line: B+, Flavourful and quenching.

Dry Goods Grapefruit IPA Non Alcoholic Beer, East Vancouver

($10.99 for four-355mL cans, available through the brewery and select stores)

Another notable East Van brewery, Powell Brewery, recently teamed up with Download Brands to concoct and release a new lineup of non-alcoholic beers. They are certainly worth sipping through, and in particular I was drawn to Dry Goods’ Grapefruit IPA. It’s a smart move to amp up the grapefruit influence in a zero-proof beer, as the natural essence adds impressive aromas and overall sensorial engagement. Pouring a deep golden with slight haziness, grapefruit aromas abound along with slight hop notes — with good body overall before a tart and tangy finish. There’s no shortage of flavour nor character in this robust yet fresh traditional IPA alternative.

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Bottom line: B+, Bring on the fish and chips.

Sangre de Toro 2021 Zero Red Dealcoholized Wine, Spain

($8.99, #71236)

Full disclosure: Sangre de Toro was one of the first bottles that got me into wine. The appeal was straightforward: it was robust, it was reasonably priced, and it came festooned with a little plastic bull attached to its bottle neck. So it was fun to see the Sangre de Toro Zero Red show up on shelves. That said, it is quite different from the OG bottle. Ample aromas of red berry, herbs, and prune are followed by a sweeter entry and light body overall before an easy, smooth and sweet finish. It’s enjoyable to sip, but not the same as wine.

Bottom line: C, Fun and fruity.

The Swirl: Wine and Words: Dim sum with the authors

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The LiterASIAN Writers Festival returns and notably includes another edition of Wine and Words: Dims with the Authors. Taking place from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, May 5 at Floata Seafood Restaurant,180 Keefer St., Vancouver, this unique event features dim sum, wine tastings, and author readings. Tickets are $75, plus fees. For a full lineup of authors and to purchase head to literasian.com/tickets/.

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