A crucial step in many alcoholic fermentation is the decarboxylation of Pyruvate (C3 -> C2). Pyruvate is the endproduct of glycolysis. I guess that C5 sugars aren't processed in glycolysis and therefore no Pyruvate is produced. No Pyruvate, no acetaldehyde, no ethanol.
Take a look at some basic biochemistry or microbiology textbooks like Lehninger and Brocks respectively. They should have a some more detail on this matter.