As Dry January inspires more consumers to explore low- and no-alcohol options, it’s the perfect time to highlight the versatility and innovation of Riesling. This January, we’re celebrating two sides of the spectrum: the craftsmanship behind alcohol-removed Rieslings and the exceptional dry GG (Grosses Gewächs) Rieslings from the prestigious Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) vineyards of Dr. Loosen. Discover how cutting-edge techniques like vacuum distillation preserve the character and complexity of Riesling while creating elegant alcohol-removed options. Then, journey to some of Germany’s most esteemed vineyard sites, where Dr. Loosen produces some of the world’s finest dry Rieslings, showcasing terroir-driven excellence. Whether it’s a sophisticated no-alcohol offering or a bold GG Riesling, there’s a Riesling to match every moment this January.
Vacuum Distillation
The artistry of winemaking is evident at every stage of the process, from managing the vineyard to working in the cellar, enabling winemakers to craft exquisite masterpieces. This also applies to alcohol-removed wines. With the rising demand for low- and no-alcohol options, winemakers are exploring diverse dealcoholizing techniques that preserve the rich flavor profile and essence of traditional wines. Among these, vacuum distillation has become a favored method for producing high-quality non-alcoholic wines.
Wine is added to a vacuum chamber to remove the alcohol content.
Vacuum distillation is a popular technique among winemakers as it enables the precise extraction of alcohol while maintaining the wine’s vital elements. The process begins with placing the wine in a vacuum chamber. By reducing atmospheric pressure, vacuum distillation lowers the boiling point of ethanol, allowing the alcohol to evaporate at significantly lower temperatures. This method is gentler compared to other alcohol-removal techniques, which often involve higher temperatures that can harm the wine’s aromas, flavors, and texture.
In addition to maintaining the wine’s flavors and texture, the precision of vacuum distillation allows winemakers to ensure that each bottle offers the same exceptional taste. This method is highly controlled, allowing producers to prevent flavor loss and create non-alcoholic wines that consistently replicate the original. Furthermore, vacuum distillation is more energy-efficient than other dealcoholization techniques, as it requires less energy and heat to complete the process. This efficiency not only benefits the environment but also helps lower production costs, making premium non-alcoholic wines more accessible to an expanding market.
Dr. Lo Alcohol-Removed Rieslings
Dr. Lo is a superior-quality, non-alcoholic wine that captures the vibrant character of Riesling from Germany’s Mosel Valley. With no added sugar or fruit juice, and its striking blue label, Dr. Lo shines on the palate and stands out on the shelf. It’s a delicious, guilt-free wine that pairs perfectly with any occasion and any lifestyle. Dr. Lo is produced by Erni and Thomas Loosen, of the renowned Dr. Loosen estate, the same team of brothers who make the top-selling Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling, currently the number one Super-Premium Riesling in the American market.
To craft Dr. Lo, we start with high-quality Mosel Valley fruit and ferment it the same way we do our regular wines. The wine then undergoes the vacuum distillation process which removes the alcohol while preserving the vital aromas and flavor compounds in the wine. The result is a perfect balance of fruitiness and crisp acidity, with a brisk and lively finish. The added carbonation in the Dr. Lo Alcohol-Removed Riesling with Bubbles gives this wine it’s delightful spritz.
Dr. Lo Alcohol-Removed Riesling
The brilliant taste of the classic Dr. L Riesling, but without the alcohol! With a zesty acidity that balances its refreshing finish, this Riesling is built for those who want all the flavor, without the buzz. Learn more.
Dr. Lo Alcohol-Removed Riesling with Bubbles
Who doesn’t love a Riesling that sparkles, with or without alcohol? The refreshing vibrancy of the bubbles in this purely delicious sparkling wine enlivens the bright fruit flavors bursting from the glass. Learn more.
The Pinnacle of Dry Riesling Excellence:
The Dr. Loosen Grosse Lage Vineyards
GG Rieslings represent the highest standard of dry Riesling excellence from Germany. For a wine to qualify as a GG Riesling, it must meet stringent criteria set by the VDP, the association of Germany’s premier vineyard estates, encompassing the vineyard site, the winemaker, and the wine itself. The primary factor that distinguishes a GG Riesling is the origin of the grapes; they must come from a Grosse Lage site, which is akin to Grand Cru. Let’s delve deeper into some of the Grosse Lage sites at Dr. Loosen and explore the wines produced there.
View of the Mosel from the Erdener Prälat Vineyard
The Dr. Loosen GG Rieslings are always dry and produced with hand-picked, finely selected fruit from Grosse Lage vineyards in the middle Mosel. They are fermented with indigenous yeasts, and they rest for 12 months on their full lees in neutral oak barrels. This long maturation brings natural balance and clarity to the wines.
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- Bernkasteler Lay Vineyard
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- Erdener Treppchen Vineyard
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- Wehlener Sonnenuhr Vineyard
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- Ürziger Würzgarten Vineyard
Bernkasteler Lay
This vineyard surrounds the Dr. Loosen estate house in Bernkastel. Its weathered Devonian slate soil produces vibrant wines with a fine minerality, making them charming even when young. The Bernkasteler Lay Riesling GG exhibits classic fruit aromas, strongly reminiscent of apple and white peach, combined with floral, herbal, and sometimes earthy aromas to create a very fascinating kaleidoscope of flavors.
Graacher Himmelreich
Graach is a small village that lies between two more-famous neighbors: Bernkastel and Wehlen. The dark, multi-colored slate and deeper soil in Graach produce wines with a distinctive aroma of citrus and stone fruits and an assertive mineral structure.
- Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GG – A heavenly, full-bodied dry Riesling with forceful minerality––from 100-year-old vines grown in blue slate soil.
Wehlener Sonnenuhr
This precipitously steep and rocky vineyard produces some of the most elegant and sophisticated white wines in the world. The pure blue slate soil gives the wines a delicate finesse and a feather-light structure that perfectly balances the layers of green apple. white peach, and lemon fruit. Supremely charming wines that dance gracefully on the palate.
- Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling GG Alte Reben (old vines) – A captivating dry Riesling that displays the characteristic delicacy of the iconic “sundial” vineyard.
Erdener Treppchen
Ancient volcanic activity and the meanderings of the Mosel River have created an unusual band of red slate in Erden. This vineyard is so steep that, long ago, stone steps were built into the hillside to help workers reach the vines. The iron-infused, red slate soil produces wines that are muscular and complex, with an intense minerality on the finish. Wines from Erdener Treppchen are more like a powerful, hard-body rock climber than the graceful ballet dancer of Wehlener Sonnenuhr.
- Erdener Treppchen Riesling GG Alte Reben – A sleek and refined Riesling from 100-year-old, undrafted vines in the red slate soil of the “little staircase” vineyard.
Ürziger Würzgarten
Blazing red and insanely steep, the Ürziger Würzgarten vineyard fills the picturesque amphitheater formed by a dramatic bend in the Mosel River. With its unique volcanic sandstone soil, the aptly named “spice garden” vineyard produces wines with exotic, spicy aromas that are bursting with tropical fruit flavors. Some of the estate’s oldest vines are found here, up to 130 years old.
- Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling GG Alte Reben – A captivating and harmonious dry Riesling from extremely old vines in the “spice garden” vineyard of Ürzig.
As Dry January continues to gain momentum, it presents a unique opportunity to explore the diverse and exquisite world of German Riesling. Whether you’re embracing a low- or no-alcohol lifestyle or seeking out the peak of dry Riesling excellence, there is a Riesling to suit every palate and occasion. From the innovative alcohol-removed Rieslings crafted through the process of vacuum distillation to the celebrated GG Rieslings from prestigious Grosse Lage vineyards, the choices are both abundant and exceptional. Riesling’s versatility and ability to capture the essence of its terroir make it an ideal choice for any wine enthusiast looking to expand their horizons during Dry January. As you savor these remarkable wines, you’ll discover the artistry and dedication of winemakers who skillfully balance tradition and innovation.
