Reh Kendermann, Riesling Vom Kalkstein Alcohol Free, NV

'One-Liner'
Proper Riesling character without the alcohol – red apple, citrus and fresh herbs with a crisp streak of limestone minerality.

Tasting Note
Pale straw in the glass, with fresh aromas of red apple, pear and citrus joined by subtle green herbs and a stony mineral note. The palate is light and lively, balancing ripe orchard fruit with Riesling’s naturally bright acidity. Lemon and grapefruit bring freshness through the middle, while delicate herbal and mineral characters become more noticeable towards the finish. There is enough fruit to soften the acidity without tipping the wine towards heaviness. Clean, refreshing and gently aromatic, with apple, citrus and a cool mineral note lingering behind.

Country: Germany
Region: Pfalz
Sub-Region: Mittelhaardt – Deutsche Weinstraße
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
ABV: 0.0%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
Selection Alcohol-Free Wines & Sparkling Wines 2024 – Award Winner

The Story
The clue to this Riesling is in the name: Kalkstein means limestone, and the vineyards lie in the northern Pfalz around the Mittelhaardt, where thin, porous soils were formed from ancient marine deposits. Those limestone-rich sites encourage vines to root deeply and help give Riesling the freshness and mineral character Reh Kendermann wanted to preserve even after removing the alcohol. The wine is first made conventionally before undergoing a modern vacuum-steam process at just 30–32°C, allowing the alcohol to be removed at a much lower temperature than normal distillation. That gentler treatment helps retain Riesling’s apple, citrus, herbal and mineral character, producing a 0.0% wine that still feels recognisably connected to its grape and place.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Clams Steamed with White Wine, Garlic and Parsley
- Vegetarian: Asparagus, goat’s cheese and herb tart
- Vegan: Salt-and-pepper tofu with charred tenderstem and lime