NV Leitz - Eins Zwei Zero Riesling (non alcoholic) (750ml)

The Leitz family has grown grapes in Rüdesheim, in Germany’s Rheingau, since 1744. After the winery was destroyed in World War II, Josef Leitz rebuilt it. His grandson Johannes, born in 1964, took over in 1985 with less than three hectares of vines. He has since expanded the estate to about 40 hectares, including top sites on the steep Rüdesheimer Berg slope above the Rhine. In 2011 the Gault Millau guide named him Germany’s Winemaker of the Year.

Leitz launched the Eins Zwei Zero label in 2007 as one of the first serious non-alcoholic wines from a top producer. It starts as real Riesling, made from carefully farmed, hand-picked grapes and fermented cool, just as a regular wine would be. Leitz then removes the alcohol by gentle vacuum distillation. At very low pressure, alcohol evaporates at about room temperature, which protects the wine’s delicate Riesling aromas. The result is wine rather than grape juice, with real varietal character.

Pale straw in color, it offers fresh green apple, lime, and citrus zest, with hints of rhubarb, tarragon, and red apple. The palate is clean and lively, with bright acidity over a mineral core. Try it with Thai, Chinese, or Indian dishes, or serve it chilled as an alcohol-free aperitif.