Fre Alcohol Removed Chardonnay

Fre Alcohol Removed Chardonnay starts as a California Chardonnay made in the ordinary way, then has its alcohol taken out after fermentation. The finished wine is labeled at 0.5% ABV or less, so it is a dealcoholized wine, not a grape juice or a sparkling soft drink. The producer describes it as crisp and fruit-forward, which is a sensible expectation for a California white. Chardonnay in this style typically shows apple, pear and citrus, and sometimes a tropical note such as pineapple. Removing alcohol also takes away some of the weight and warmth a full-strength Chardonnay has on the palate. Expect a lighter body and a brisk, clean finish, with the acidity and fruit doing most of the work. Tannin is negligible, as in any white. The details given for this bottle don't mention oak, so don't expect much buttery or toasty character. If it does show a little, treat that as a bonus, not a given. Serve it well chilled, around 7 to 10°C (45 to 50°F). Colder than that mutes the fruit, and warmer makes a wine with less alcohol structure taste flat or sweet. It needs no decanting. Pour it straight from the bottle into a standard white wine glass with a medium bowl, which gathers the aroma without letting a lighter wine fade. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and finish it within a few days, since it is less protected than regular wine. This is a drink-now bottle, made to be enjoyed young and fresh. It isn't meant for cellaring. At the table it suits dishes that handle a crisp white: roast chicken with lemon and herbs, seared scallops, grilled white fish, creamy pasta with a squeeze of citrus, or mild soft cheeses such as brie and fresh goat cheese. It also works well with salads dressed in vinaigrette, where the acidity matches the dressing.