Leitz is a renowned German winery with a deep-rooted history dating back to 1744. Located in the iconic Rheingau region, Leitz has expertly blended centuries of winemaking tradition with modern innovations to create wines that express the distinctive terroir of the area. Known primarily for their Rieslings, it’s only natural that Leitz would also venture into the world of non-alcoholic wines. Enter Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Alcohol-Free Riesling. crafting a version to appeal to those seeking an alcohol-free alternative.
So, how does this version of their signature varietal measure up?
Let’s explore.
Appearance
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Alcohol-Free Riesling presents a visual profile that is unmistakably reminiscent of a classic Riesling. It boasts the signature pale straw colour that you’d expect from a high-quality white wine, with a slight greenish hue at the rim. This delicate colour is a hallmark of young Riesling, and here, it’s captured perfectly. When poured into a glass, the wine displays excellent clarity, giving it an inviting, fresh look. The wine’s appearance doesn’t give any indication that it’s alcohol-free, and you could easily mistake it for its alcoholic counterpart from a visual standpoint.
The transparency of the wine suggests that it has been crafted with care, and the balance of colour and clarity sets high expectations for what’s to come in terms of flavour.
Aroma
The aroma of Leitz Eins Zwei Zero is slightly less potent than its alcoholic Riesling counterpart. You’d expect this when alcohol is removed from the wine. However, this does not mean it lacks appeal. On the nose, you’ll detect delicate aromas of white blossoms and fresh green apple, which are typical of Riesling. There is a light, floral fragrance that rises from the glass, balanced by the crisp, slightly tart scent of green apples – both of which are characteristic of the grape variety.
While the aromatic intensity doesn’t quite match that of the original, it’s still a very pleasant fragrance, offering the fresh, clean, and fruity notes that Riesling lovers appreciate. There are no overpowering elements here, but the light, airy nature of the aroma makes it enticing enough to keep you coming back for another sniff.
Taste
When it comes to the taste of Leitz Eins Zwei Zero, the wine provides a wonderfully balanced palate that showcases the lively character of Riesling. The crisp green apple notes take centre stage, accompanied by fresh citrus flavours that add a zesty, refreshing quality to the overall profile. These fruit-driven notes are complemented by the subtle presence of stone fruits – think apricot and peach – which add a layer of complexity without overpowering the more dominant flavours.
As someone who tends to prefer a drier Riesling, I did detect a slight sweetness in this alcohol-free version, but it wasn’t overwhelming. The sweetness is moderate, making it accessible for a wide range of palates, though it may be a bit noticeable for those who lean towards the drier styles. This touch of sweetness, however, doesn’t detract from the overall balance of the wine. Additionally, the wine offers a delicate mineral undertone, which adds a hint of earthiness that enhances the complexity of the profile without detracting from its freshness.
Overall, the taste of Leitz Eins Zwei Zero is a harmonious blend of fruit, citrus, and subtle minerality, with just the right touch of sweetness to keep it approachable and enjoyable.
Mouthfeel
In terms of mouthfeel, Leitz Eins Zwei Zero delivers a clean, refreshing experience that closely mirrors the textural qualities of a well-made Riesling. The wine has a light body, which is typical of the varietal, and the subtle effervescence adds to its refreshing nature. The wine’s crisp acidity provides a gentle zing on the palate, helping to cleanse and refresh the mouth between sips. This lively acidity ensures that the wine feels fresh and invigorating without becoming overly sharp or overpowering.
While the mouthfeel isn’t quite as rich or full-bodied as the alcoholic version, the smoothness and lightness make it incredibly drinkable. The balance of acidity and fruit is spot-on, giving the wine a pleasant, vibrant texture that feels both crisp and satisfying. It’s not heavy or cloying, which makes it perfect for casual sipping on a warm day or as an accompaniment to a variety of foods.
Finish
The finish of Leitz Eins Zwei Zero is clean, refreshing, and quite invigorating. The citrus notes linger softly on the palate, leaving behind a mild but pleasant aftertaste. There is no trace of the alcoholic warmth or burn that you would typically expect from a traditional Riesling, which gives the wine a notably smooth and mild finish. This absence of alcohol allows the fruit and citrus flavours to remain front and centre, and the finish is pleasantly dry without being bitter or overly tart.
Although the finish is not as long or complex as that of its alcoholic counterpart, it leaves a refreshing, citrus-driven impression that invites another sip. It’s a clean, well-balanced finish that mirrors the overall style of the wine – light, fresh, and easy-drinking.
Pairing Suggestions
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Alcohol-Free Riesling is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of cuisines. Its crisp acidity and fruit-forward profile make it an excellent match for spicy dishes, such as pad Thai or Indian curry. The wine’s refreshing nature also makes it a great companion to lighter dishes like grilled fish or seafood, where it can enhance the natural flavours of the dish without overwhelming them.
For a more Mediterranean-inspired pairing, try it with a mezze platter, featuring light bites such as hummus, grilled vegetables, or olives. The wine’s delicate fruit and refreshing acidity will complement these flavours beautifully, making it a perfect option for sharing with friends or enjoying a light meal on a sunny day.
Overall Impressions
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Alcohol-Free Riesling is an impressive offering from a winery with a long-standing reputation for producing quality Rieslings. It captures the essence of the varietal, offering a well-balanced and refreshing wine that showcases the bright fruit and crisp acidity typical of Riesling. While there are subtle differences from the alcoholic version, such as a slightly milder aroma and a cleaner finish, these should be seen as unique qualities rather than drawbacks.
This non-alcoholic Riesling offers a lot of character and complexity for a wine without alcohol, and its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re enjoying a light meal or simply relaxing with a glass on its own, Leitz Eins Zwei Zero offers an enjoyable drinking experience that mirrors the qualities of a traditional Riesling while remaining light and approachable. I’d certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a non-alcoholic white wine that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.