Steinbock Sparkling Riesling is crafted by Weingut Dr. Fischer. It’s a German winery nestled in the Mosel Valley – and is, frankly, a brilliant name. It’s also known for it’s Rieslings, so the thought of such an august winemaker taking that knowledge dedicated to a single varietal and turning it towards making a non-alcoholic version? Well, I was excited to try it.
Let’s see how this non-alcoholic sparkling wine does in preserving the hallmark qualities of the Riesling grape.
Appearance
Steinbock Sparkling Riesling present a pale golden hue, typical of Reisling. It’s a good start. The effervescence is delicate yet steady, and when the forth dissipates after the pour, there is a gentle lacing on the glass. Another good sign. The bubbles might be a little less vibrant than some sparkling wines – alcoholic or otherwise – but it still presents very well in the glass.
Aroma
The aroma of Steinbock Sparkling Riesling opens with crisp notes of green apple and fresh pear. Beneath these top notes, delicate floral scents of honeysuckle and elderflower add depth. Plus, there’s a whiff of the minerality that is typical of wines from the Mosel Valley. The absence of certain fermentation-driven compounds may leave it feeling slightly restrained compared to its alcoholic counterparts, but I like it’s straightforward, balanced nose. It’s fresh and inviting.
Taste
Yes, the flavour profile of Steinbock Sparkling Riesling is undeniably Riesling. You initially get flavours of green apple, citrus and ripe pear, which are followed by an undercurrent of peach and honey. That minerality one would expect makes an appearance. The mid-palate introduces a soft sweetness that enhances the fruit. Some drinkers might find the sweetness slightly more pronounced than expected, but for an NA wine it’s remarkably restrained.
Mouthfeel
It’s in the mouthfeel that the relatively restrained carbonation, for my money, pays dividends. It makes it smoother than it might otherwise have been, so it feel’s well-rounded rather than “thin”. It’s not super-creamy on the palate, but the medium body feels pretty satisfying, and allows the wine’s natural acidity to shine.
Finish
The finish of Steinbock Sparkling Riesling is clean and crisp. Those fruit notes of citrus and green apple carry through to the end, and the minerality kind of feels a bit like a palate cleanser. For those accustomed to a lingering complexity, sure it may lack the length and depth of flavour found in some alcoholic Rieslings. But the refreshing and balanced conclusion ensures it remains a pleasure to drink.
Pairing Suggestions of Steinbock Sparkling Riesling
That palate cleansing quality means that I would happily serve this non-alcoholic sparking Riesling alongside any dish involving melted cheese. I mean, a glass of this beside a raclette or fondue? Absolute heaven. Plus, like traditional Rieslings, it would pair well with fish dishes, particularly cerviche, I reckon, as well as smoked ham and sausages.
Overall Impressions
Simply, this non-alcoholic sparkling tastes like a high-quality non-alcoholic wine. You can tell it’s produced by people who know their way around this varietal. It’s got vibrant fruit flavours and a balanced acidity, and feels like a refreshing, rather than cloying, sip. The best complement I can give it, is that it tastes a hell of a lot like alcoholic Riesling. Ergo, if you like Riesling, and want an NA sparkling alternative, you could do a great deal worse than this Steinbock.