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www.buyersandcellars.ca Cellar Profile
Wander + Found, a German winery with over a decade of experience in the art of crafting non-alcoholic wines, has earned its reputation for precision and elegance in the alcohol-free wine market. Renowned for its commitment to quality, the winery sources premium grapes from estate vineyards and employs the expertise of a highly-specialized winemaker to create its signature non-alcoholic offerings. The range encompasses both still and sparkling wines.
Region
Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine region, was historically known for producing mainly large volumes of bulk wine destined for the export market. That began to change gradually, beginning in the 1980s, when growers began to focus on lower yields, drier styles and overall higher quality wines. Today, the region is home to the majority of Germany’s organic/biodynamic viticulture, with a great number of young and energetic producers eschewing the past and leading the future. The climate is relatively mild, protected by countless hills and forests and moderated on the east and west border by the Nahe and Rhine rivers, respectively. Soil types vary, though the majority are a mix of loess and loam with limestone deposits mixed with gravel. Pfalz is second only to Rheinhessen in terms of volume of production. It lies in the rain shadow of the Haardt Mountains and is far sunnier than many of Germany’s other wine regions, allowing for riper wines with more power. Known for producing iconic Rieslings, Pfalz has also become well known for their Pinot Noir or “Spätburgunder”.
Vineyard
Sourced from quality vineyards in Rheinhessen and Pfalz. The loam soils are rich in nutrients, with some slate.
Varieties
German Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) defies expectations. Grown in over four degrees of latitude and in many types of soil, styles can vary greatly. Regionality takes a backseat to geology when it comes to this luxurious grape. While the taste profile changes depending on the soil, one can always count on German Pinot to be savoury and elegant. The first plantings can be traced back to monastic settlements in the early middle ages, but yields have doubled since the 1990s, as Spätburgunder has achieved world renown. St. Laurent is the third most widely-planted red grape in Austria and is believed to be an offspring of Pinot Noir. Much darker skinned than its parent, St. Laurent is known to produce dark wines with richness and black cherry notes. Preferring cooler climates, it is a challenging grape to grow — needing good vineyards with deep soils to root — and gives unpredictable and frequently small yields.
Winemaking
The initial fermentation takes place traditionally, with de-stemmed grapes fermented in stainless steel using selected yeasts. After a brief aging, the wine is then de-alcoholized using “Vacuum Distillation”. Most non-alcohol wines are boiled to burn off the alcohol content, which leaves the wines with a “cooked” and frequently off-putting flavour. With Vacuum Distillation, wine is heated to a far lower 25°C while under a strong vacuum, eliminating the alcohol while maintaining primary fruit integrity.
Tasting Notes
Rosehips and red berries – raspberries, strawberries and cherries – dominate the nose. Subtle notes of rhubarb and citrus add complexity to the palate. Tart and refreshing, with a dry finish. Only 20 calories per serving; 150 calories per bottle.