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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
Chardonnay is the world’s most famous white wine grape and also one of the most widely-planted, with the most highly-regarded expressions of the variety coming from Burgundy and California. Climate plays a major role in dictating which fruit flavours a Chardonnay will have. Warmer climates will have tropical fruits and higher alcohol levels, while cooler temperatures will have more citrus and green apple notes. Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are mutant clones of Pinot Noir and find their origins in Burgundy, France. There are several styles of Pinot Gris: dry and mineral-driven, dry and fruit-forward or rich and fruity. Pinot Blanc is found mostly in Germany and Northern Italy, where wines are refreshing, peachy and dry. Sometimes intensely aromatic, Pinot Blanc can display notes of white florals and stone fruit.
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. Secondary fermentation occurs in tank, in the Charmat or “Prosecco” Method.
Tasting Notes
This premium Sparkling Cuvée Blanc delights with notes of tangy citrus zest, tart gooseberry and sweet starfruit. Its smooth flavours pair well with your favorite meals and relaxing moments.