rating B+

standout quirky but classic Rheingau producer

about Leitz has long been one of my favorite German producers, matching innovation with consistent quality. The winery makes all styles of wine: canned, low-alcohol, dry, sweet, and sparkling. Johannes Leitz has run the winery since the 1980s after completing his degree in viticulture and has expanded the winery's vineyard plantings, production facility, and range of wines to make Leitz one of Germany's leading family-owned wineries.

wines tasted

Riesling Sekt 2017 ($29)

"Dragonstone" is one of Leitz's most famous wines, coming from the Drachenstein vineyard in Rüdesheim; this is the sparkling expression of the off-dry still Riesling made from the site. Although it's around 20g/l of residual sugar, that sweetness is balanced by high, zesty acidity (of 8.5g/l) and a peachy fruitiness with extra complexity coming from secondary fermentation in the bottle.

Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Blanc de Blancs ($25)

Leitz have been making lo-no wines since 1907, long before the current trend for non-alcoholic wines. The category is a difficult one to nail, but Leitz do as good a job as anyone. There’s 24g/l of sugar, which gives some body and weight to the wine while balanced by naturally high acidity. Certainly a good option at a party for those not drinking. Also sold in cans.

There is also no-alcohol sparkling Riesling and sparkling rosé made.

website https://www.leitz-wein.de/en/

email vinothek@leitz-wein.de

phone +49 67 224 8711

address Theodor-Heuss-Straße 5, Rüdesheim am Rhein