It's the king of alcohol-free wines, and we're talking, of course, about Eins, Zwei, Zero from Weingut Leitz. We already knew that, but since testing 75 other alcohol-free wines, Weingut Leitz has become the absolute number one. Some connoisseurs even call it the "Grand Cru" of alcohol-free wines. It's no wonder, as Weingut Leitz has a long history dating back to 1744. It all started very small, with just 3 hectares of vineyards, which were also destroyed during the war. Fortunately, the winery was rebuilt, and Johannes Leitz is now at the helm of the family estate. They now have 40 hectares of vineyards, and they produce highly innovative wines. Even their alcohol-free wines, like this Eins, Zwei, Zero Sparkling Rosé, are masterpieces of the family. Anyone who didn't know better would think they were enjoying a glass of Champagne, such is the beauty of this sparkling wine.
The old vineyard of Weingut Leitz
This sparkling rosé is made from three grape varieties: Merlot and Pinot Noir, along with a tiny bit of Portugieser. These grapes are grown in the Üdesheim wine regions of Berg Schlossberg, Berg Rottland, and Berg Kaisersteinfels, where the harvest enjoys both abundant sunshine and the right amount of coolness. The bunches benefit from the cool breeze and a sharp drop in nighttime temperatures, allowing the grapes to retain their freshness. The soil structure, rich in gravel, clay, and loess, gives the harvest its strength and finesse. All bunches are harvested at ideal ripeness and processed into rosé. This Eins, Zwei, Zero Sparkling Rosé then undergoes a unique process to extract the alcohol. Flavors and aromas are preserved, making this wine truly unique.
The smell and taste of the Eins, Zwei, Zero Sparkling Rose
It's a real treat; not only is the bottle itself stunning, but so is its contents. As soon as we remove the Champagne cork from this alcohol-free rosé, we smell hints of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of rosehip. In the glass, we see a beautiful light pink color with a reddish sheen. The soft bubbles swirl through the glass, captivating our senses. It smells of abundant fresh red fruit, such as strawberries and raspberries, but also of rose petals and grapefruit. On the palate, this Eins, Zwei, Zero Sparkling Rosé leaves the tongue with a fresh and soft mouthfeel. The bubbles evoke impressions of small red fruit and grapefruit, with a touch of orange. The ripe and fresh style gives it a touch of style and richness. The refreshing finish truly completes the experience, and it's no punishment to drink an alcohol-free "Champagne," let's be honest! What a fantastic glass!
