14 Hands Red Mythical Unicorn

14 Hands Red Mythical Unicorn is a low-alcohol sparkling red wine blend at 8% ABV in a 750ml bottle from Washington's Columbia Valley. What distinguishes this bottling immediately is its unusual format — a bubbly red built from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, clocking in at roughly half the alcohol of a standard red wine, making it one of the more unconventional offerings in the domestic sparkling category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA  |  Style: Sparkling Red Blend  |  Winery: 14 Hands Winery, Prosser, WA

Production & Heritage

14 Hands Winery operates out of Prosser, Washington, with its dedicated facility opening in 2014. The winery takes its name from the feral horses that once roamed the Columbia Valley — measured at 14 hands high — and draws fruit from vineyards planted in the region's characteristic loamy sand and gravel soils. The Red Mythical Unicorn blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot into a carbonated, lower-alcohol format that sits well outside the winery's core still-wine lineup, targeting drinkers who want red wine flavors without the typical 13–15% ABV punch.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe blackberry and black cherry dominate the nose, supported by a faint floral lift as the bubbles carry aromatics upward. The overall impression is fruit-forward and inviting, with no heavy oak or tannin influence.

Taste: The palate opens with succulent dark berry fruit — blackberry and black cherry — wrapped in a gentle sweetness. Midway through, the carbonation provides textural contrast, keeping the wine from feeling heavy despite the rich fruit character. The Merlot component adds softness while the Cabernet Sauvignon lends a modest structural backbone.

Finish: The finish is short to medium, trailing off with lingering berry sweetness and a clean, effervescent lift. There is no bitterness or astringency, keeping the final impression light and refreshing.

How to Drink Red Mythical Unicorn

Serve this sparkling red well-chilled, around 40–45°F, to keep the bubbles crisp and the sweetness in check. It works as a standalone sipper but also pairs effectively in low-ABV cocktail builds. Try it in a Red Sangria, where its built-in effervescence reduces the need for added soda. It slots neatly into a Kalimotxo riff, replacing still red wine for a lighter, bubblier take on the classic cola-and-wine combination. A Berry Spritz — combining the wine with a splash of elderflower liqueur and fresh berries over ice — plays to its natural fruit character.

Best For

• Casual outdoor gatherings where a lighter, lower-alcohol option is welcome
• Introducing red wine drinkers to the sparkling format without overwhelming sweetness
• Brunch spreads that call for something beyond the usual rosé or Prosecco
• A playful gift for the wine enthusiast who appreciates novelty and whimsy

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Red Mythical Unicorn taste like? It delivers ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors with a gentle sweetness, lifted by delicate carbonation that keeps the palate fresh and light.

How does Red Mythical Unicorn compare to Stella Rosa Rosso? Both are semi-sweet, low-alcohol sparkling reds, but the 14 Hands bottling uses a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from Columbia Valley, Washington, whereas Stella Rosa Rosso is an Italian import blending different grape varieties. The 14 Hands expression tends to lean slightly more toward dark berry fruit rather than the candied red-fruit profile typical of Stella Rosa.

Is Red Mythical Unicorn good for beginners? Yes — its 8% ABV and approachable sweetness make it an accessible entry point for those new to red wine or sparkling wine in general.

Where is Red Mythical Unicorn made? It is produced by 14 Hands Winery in Prosser, Washington, using fruit sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA, a large appellation known for warm days, cool nights, and well-drained sand and gravel soils.

What foods pair well with Red Mythical Unicorn? Dark chocolate truffles complement its berry sweetness. Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie balance the carbonation nicely. Grilled stone fruit — such as peaches or plums — echo its fruit-forward profile. Spiced barbecue chicken works well, as the wine's sweetness tempers smoky heat. Fresh berry desserts like a mixed-berry tart mirror the wine's core flavors.

What sizes does Red Mythical Unicorn come in? The standard bottle size is 750ml.

Is Red Mythical Unicorn worth the price? It positions as an entry-level sparkling red, priced competitively within the sweet bubbly category, and delivers a distinctive experience that justifies its place alongside more conventional options.

Why Red Mythical Unicorn?

Sparkling red wines remain a niche category in the American market, and the 14 Hands version carves out its own lane by combining familiar Columbia Valley Bordeaux-variety fruit with a format designed for easy, chilled drinking. The 8% ABV is the headline — it opens up occasions where a full-strength red would feel too heavy, from afternoon picnics to weeknight unwinding. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot base gives it more vinous credibility than many flavored or artificially carbonated sweet wines in the same price tier. For anyone seeking a genuine red-wine-meets-sparkling experience without the alcohol load, this bottling fills a gap that few domestic producers have bothered to address.