The Best Non-Alcoholic Riesling
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling
Non-alcoholic wine has come a long way, but let’s be honest—not all of them hit the mark. If you’ve ever sipped one and thought, This just tastes like grape juice, you’re not alone. That’s why when I found Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling, I knew I had to talk about it. This is one of the few non-alcoholic wines that actually tastes like wine. It’s crisp, refreshing, and—dare I say—delicious. But what makes it so good? Let’s break it down.
A Brief History of Weingut Leitz
The story of Leitz goes back to the 18th century, but it wasn’t until Johannes Leitz took over in 1985 that the winery gained international recognition. Based in Rheingau, Germany, a region famous for its Rieslings, Leitz has built a reputation for producing some of the best dry and off-dry Rieslings in the world.
Johannes didn’t just stick to tradition—he innovated. As the demand for high-quality non-alcoholic wine grew, Leitz saw an opportunity. Instead of settling for the overly sweet, lifeless alternatives on the market, he decided to craft a non-alcoholic wine that still carried the essence of a true Riesling. Enter Eins Zwei Zero Riesling, a game-changer in the world of alcohol-free wines. (They also have a sparkling version that is absolutely worth the try!!!)
How Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling is Made
The key to a great non-alcoholic wine is starting with great wine. Unlike many NA options that never actually go through the full fermentation process, Leitz makes real Riesling first and then removes the alcohol.
Here’s how it works:
The Wine Starts as a Fully Fermented Riesling – The grapes are grown in the Rheingau region, where cool-climate conditions allow for high acidity and vibrant fruit flavors.
Alcohol is Removed Through Vacuum Distillation – This process gently removes the alcohol at low temperatures, preserving the delicate aromatics and flavors of the Riesling.
Flavor is Retained Without Excess Sugar – Many NA wines compensate for lost body with added sugar, but Leitz balances acidity and fruitiness so it still feels like a dry wine.
The result? A refreshing, complex, and food-friendly non-alcoholic Riesling that maintains bright acidity, citrus notes, and a touch of minerality—all signature traits of a quality Riesling.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
If you’re expecting sugary grape juice, think again. Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling is bright, crisp, and refreshingly dry. Here’s what you’ll find in your glass:
🍏 Aroma: Green apple, citrus zest, and a hint of peach.
🥂 Taste: A lively mix of lime, Granny Smith apple, and subtle minerality, with just a touch of Riesling’s signature petrol note.
✨ Finish: Clean, refreshing, and perfectly balanced—no cloying sweetness here.
It’s one of the few non-alcoholic wines that actually delivers on complexity, making it an excellent choice for both casual sipping and food pairings.
Food Pairings: What to Eat with Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling
Because of its high acidity and citrusy freshness, this wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some winning combos:
Cheese Boards: Goat cheese, Brie, or even a sharp cheddar.
Seafood: Grilled shrimp, sushi, or a simple lemony salmon dish.
Vegetarian Dishes: Thai food, citrusy salads, or roasted vegetables.
Light Pasta Dishes: Lemon garlic pasta or a creamy risotto.
Basically, if you’d pair it with a crisp dry white wine, this will work just as well!
Where to Buy Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling
Thankfully, this wine isn’t too hard to find. You can pick it up at:
🏪 Major Retailers: Many Whole Foods, Total Wine, and specialty wine shops carry it.
Online: Websites like Boisson, The Zero Proof, and even Amazon (sometimes) often have it available.
Direct from Leitz: Some retailers in Europe and specialty importers carry direct shipments.
If you’re unsure where to buy it near you, a quick Google search or a visit to your favorite wine shop should do the trick.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. If you love Riesling but want to cut back on alcohol, this is one of the best non-alcoholic options out there. It actually tastes like wine, pairs well with food, and has enough complexity to make it feel like a real drinking experience—without the buzz.
For those exploring the world of non-alcoholic wines, Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling is a must-try. It proves that skipping alcohol doesn’t mean skipping great flavor.
Have you tried this one yet? Let me know what you think!
