Review: Sobr Riesling Non-Alcoholic Wine Debuts in Canada
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When you mention Mosel rieslings, most people will associate it with the terribly sweet and syrupy Blue Nun brand. Historically though, that area of Germany produces incredible wines that can be found on high-end wine lists around the world. Riesling wines are usually low in alcohol, but high in acidity which makes this varietal a great option for dealcoholization - a fact the Germans may have been keeping secret all these years!
Select Wines is a Canadian wine importer and they’ve brought a great non-alcoholic Mosel wine to Canada called Sobr Riesling in both still and sparkling formats. There is a dearth of great non-alcoholic dry whites, so this is a welcome addition to the Canadian marketplace. These wines are from a well-known German brand Dr. Loosen, which makes a much loved boozy riesling, so the expectations were quite high.
On the nose, there are the usual mineral and petrol notes from a good-quality dry riesling. There is no chemical, or ‘cooked grape’ smell which can often permeate cheaper non-alcoholic wines.
On the palette, Sobr Riesling has a nice viscousness with a slightly oily weight - quite appealing in a category that can often be too light and too thin, especially when pairing wine with a meal.
There are lovely notes of bright citrus, with a beautiful minerality and the hallmark petrol notes of a Mosel riesling - all in all a perfect balance.
On the finish, there is a tingly acidity which pops on the tongue and adds a nice finale.
It was a great accompaniment to broiled salmon and garlicky green beans, standing up to the meal and not getting lost on the palette. It would also drink very nicely with any type of spicier Asian cuisine, Tandoori chicken or just some simple sushi takeout.
Sobr Riesling is definitely comparable to Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling, currently the only other non-alcoholic riesling available in Canada, but also the non-alcoholic white which always tops ‘best of’ lists.
Where To Buy:
This is definitely worth buying and trying, especially at the price point of $16.95. Upside Drinks ships NORTH AMERICA wide with flat rate shipping in Canada only.
Wholesale buyers can get this through Select Wines in Vancouver.
Cheers!
