Leitz 'Eins Zwei Zero' (Non Alcoholic) Riesling

Introduction

Leitz 'Eins Zwei Zero' Riesling is a non alcoholic white wine originating from the esteemed Rheingau region in Germany. The Leitz family has a storied winemaking heritage dating back to 1744, with current proprietor Johannes Leitz taking over the estate in 1985 and growing it into one of the largest family owned wineries in the region. Johannes began producing dealcoholized wines in 2016, spurred by a personal health condition and a request from a Michelin starred chef for high quality alcohol free pairing options.

Spirit Description

This non alcoholic Riesling presents a pale straw hue with a slight shimmer. The nose is aromatic, offering fresh scents of green apple, citrus zest, and lime, with subtle hints of rhubarb, tarragon, and red apple. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, featuring a balanced interplay of vibrant acidity and residual sugar that highlights flavours of lemon curd, apricot, and peach. The body is light and delicate with a touch of minerality, leading to a clean, off dry, and remarkably long finish. It contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.

Food Pairing

The versatility and bright acidity of this wine make it a charming companion for a variety of international cuisines. It is particularly effective at tempering the heat of spicy Asian dishes such as Pad Thai, sushi, and Indian or salmon curries. For lighter fare, it pairs beautifully with fresh summer salads, gratinated cauliflower crostinis, and Mediterranean style poultry. It also complements seafood favourites like fried chicken, oysters, and simply poached salmon.

Distinctive Features

Leitz 'Eins Zwei Zero' is distinguished by its use of the same high quality, handpicked grapes and vineyard practices employed for the estate's award winning alcoholic wines. The wine undergoes a gentle dealcoholization process through low temperature vacuum distillation, which allows the alcohol to evaporate at 28°C to preserve natural aromas and terroir characteristics. This flagship varietal is also gluten free and vegan friendly, offering a mindful alternative that maintains the depth and structure of a traditional Riesling.

Serving Suggestions

To best enjoy its refreshing mineral base and citrus notes, this wine should be served well chilled at a temperature between 6°C and 8°C. It is ideally presented in a standard white wine glass to allow the delicate aromas of orange and tarragon to develop fully. While perfect for a light meal on a sunny day, its clean finish and lack of alcoholic warmth also make it a sophisticated choice for alcohol free social gatherings or as a refined aperitif.