Review: The Substitute Non-alcoholic Riesling
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I usually do a write up about the wine brand as part of my review, but there isn’t much information about the provenance of this brand so I don’t have much to add (just try googllng The Substitute wine and you’ll get a long list of reddit threads asking about cooking substitutions!). It’s a new import to the U.S. through The Zero Proof and there are four styles including this riesling.
What I CAN tell you is that this specific style is produced in Germany (the cab sauv is from Hungary, but more on that later!). It definitely tastes like it’s from the Rhinegau region, as there are some similarities to the Leitz riesling. Germany is the home of riesling, and has great dealcoholization technology and facilities, so it stands to reason this will be a great drink.
Here are my tasting notes.
*Note: Ice bucket chilled for 30 minutes - makes a difference with riesling
Aroma
The bouquet is just perfect! Mineral, saline, lemon curd - I like that this isn’t “fresh and crisp” and rather a quite lovely round, mellow aroma with a teeny hint of riesling petrol.
Taste
I literally said “Oh wow!!” on my first sip. That’s rare for me. This is a very very delicious non-alcoholic white. A really nice soft acidity that doesn’t hit you over the head, but rather seduces you as it lingers in your mouth. Notes of pear and lemon curd, with a nice long snappy mineral finish.
This is definitely a wine from the Rhinegau as I can taste the similarity to other non-alcoholic rieslings from that region. It is slightly on the juicy side, but it’s not sweet at all.
Mouthfeel & Experience
Oily and saline - so rich and luxurious to drink. Absolutely fantastic! It’s got a nice weight to it that drinks like a wine and very similar to a traditional riesling. One note is that a traditional riesling with alcohol has a bit more of a bite and even with the weight would be delicate enough to not feel heavy. This white is a bit heavy but the delicious taste trumps that small downside.
Food pairing suggestions
This would be delightful with a salty prosciutto on a herbed artisan crispbread with some mild cheese. The typical riesling pairing suggestion is sushi and Asian food and I would say this is also good for this non-alcoholic version. The Zero Proof suggests green curry takeout - yes please!
Overall
A really fantastic riesling without alcohol. The dealcoholization didn’t strip away the things I love best about riesling which is the minerality and off-dry taste profile. I really liked the rich experience and taste of this one. Non-alcoholic rieslings are always a star in the category of dealcoholized wines, but this one is at the top of that list!
Score: 96 points
Find it at: The Zero Proof, $17 (15% off your cart with this link)
How I rank wines (based on IWSC standards):
95 to 100 - An excellent drink with a great personality. An example that stands out among its peers
90 to 94 - An accomplished drink with considerable personality, character and complexity. A classic example of its style or variety.
85 to 89 - A perfectly well-made drink which provides an enjoyable drinking experience.
80 to 84 - An acceptable but simple drink, lacking distinction.
