Review: Smoky Bay 0.0% Chardonnay

Image copyright Some Good Clean Fun 2022

Many, many people who are rethinking drinking have bemoaned the lack of success in finding a suitable replacement for their beloved Chardonnay. It feels like the holy grail, a non alcoholic wine that tastes exactly like Chardonnay without the hangover. This new to Canada non alcoholic wine Smoky Bay 0.0% Chardonnay comes extremely close and will definitely satisfy that desire for many.

The Smoky Bay brand originates in Australia’s Hunter Valley, but both their alcoholic and non alcoholic wines are shipped to Canada and bottled in Quebec. They produce three styles of 0.0 wine - Chardonnay, Shiraz and Rose - using spinning cone technology which results in a fantastic quality product.

Chardonnay itself is a rainbow unicorn. It can be soft and buttery, or crisp and tart. The winemaking process makes it a chameleon to the whims of the winemaker. It’s the world's most popular grape, but also one of its most reviled. The term ABC means ‘anything but chardonnay’, coined from a counter-culture response to the over-oaked, over-buttery wine style that became popular in the early aughts.

In Australia, Chardonnay is populous and plentiful and the country has a reputation for excellent vintages in this varietal.

The Smoky Bay 0.0% Chardonnay is a reflection of the non alcoholic quality that can be produced when thoughtful winemaking is applied. Although many people hate those oaky, buttery notes that can be cloying, these are the exact things that help bring a non alcoholic Chardonnay to life.

When you pour your first glass, you will be immediately hit with the nose of a Chardonnay. It has prominent butter notes blended with some oakiness. There is a very very mild chemical smell, which dissipates quickly and is hardly discernible.

If you are a Chardonnay lover, on your first sip you will be stunned. In fact, tears may come to your eyes as you taste a true expression of premium non alcoholic Chardonnay. There are soft buttery notes, a hint of oakiness and a full mouthfeel that makes it silky from the tip of your tongue to your throat.

It’s not overly sweet, but it is juicy. It’s well balanced, but that being said, don’t expect the same type of acidity as a regular Chardonnay. There is only a small amount of acidity and low tannins leaving very little dryness to balance out the grapes. For anyone who doesn’t like Chardonnay usually, you won’t like this non alcoholic version.

It’s a flabby wine, but that’s fine. It’s not overly elegant or structured but that makes it an easier drinking option. You could call this modern comfort - easy, approachable and classy, a true Hunter Valley Chardonnay.

You can order Smoky Bay 0.0 Chardonnay through UpsideDrinks.com for Canada and U.S. delivery.

Updated April 24, 2023