As more consumers seek no and low alcohol beverages, producers of all stripes are stepping up with innovative drinks to meet the moment.
One such that I have had the pleasure of tasting recently is, believe it or not, a sparkling tea. While I write mostly about wine, beer and spirits, I was pleasantly surprised by the new MaraBela Wild Verbena Sparkling Tea. It is a blend of organic Sencha and Chun Mei green teas with White Peony tea, lemon verbena, and a touch of lavender.
MaraBela is crafted in Walla Walla, Washington, using these organic teas and botanicals instead of grapes. This has the benefit over dealcoholized wines. With only 3 grams of sugar per 4-ounce pour, no alcohol and very low caffeine, it is an enticing beverage option.
“Once you remove alcohol [as is the case with grape wine], you lose structure and balance. Tea allowed us to start from a different place entirely,” says Jesús Martínez Bujanda, CEO of Valdemar Family wines and the co-creator of MaraBela.
The result is dry, bright, with a touch of citrus and delicate floral notes, fine bubbles, and a refreshing finish. It delivers the sophistication in an attractive bottle that looks right at home on the table. This sparkling tea is a compelling alternative for people who want bubbles, quality, and food-pairing potential without the alcohol.
Unopened, it stays at peak quality for 24 months. Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, they recommend using a sparkling beverage stopper and enjoying it within 3-4 days for best flavor and bubbles.
Credit to the Valdemar Family wine group (Bodegas Valdemar in Rioja, Spain and Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Washington).
MaraBela retails for $20 per 750ml bottle is available in 3-packs and 6-packs, and at MaraBelaTea.com and at select restaurants, retailers, and specialty shops.
NOTE: Photos courtesy Valdemar.