Selbach Funkelwurtz Non Alc.

Selbach Funkelwurtz Non Alc. is Johannes Selbach's foray into dealcoholized wine, a slightly effervescent Mosel blend of 80% Muskat and 20% Rivaner grown on the region's characteristic slate, loess, and loam soils. The name translates to "Spicy Sparkler," which is exactly how Johannes described the wine the first time he tasted it after dealcoholization. Unlike many non-alcoholic wines that strip out flavor along with the ethanol, this one retains the aromatic complexity and mineral spine Selbach's estate is known for, thanks to gentle pressing, careful fermentation to around 30 grams per liter of residual sugar, and a membrane technology dealcoholization process that preserves the wine's structure. Johannes Selbach runs one of the Mosel's most respected family estates, farming steep vineyards where slate, loess, and loam deliver the tension and perfume that make German whites world-class. For Funkelwurtz, he ferments the juice in stainless steel to the point where residual sweetness balances acidity, then ships the finished wine to a specialized facility that uses membrane filtration to remove alcohol without cooking off the aromatics. The result is a wine that tastes like wine, not like grape juice or a science experiment. The Muskat brings floral lift and spice, the Rivaner adds weight and a touch of stone fruit, and the Mosel terroir keeps everything taut and refreshing. The nose shows white flowers, lychee, and a hint of petrol minerality, classic Mosel markers that survive the dealcoholization intact. On the palate, expect crisp green apple, Meyer lemon, and a gently effervescent mouthfeel that makes this more lively than still. The finish is clean, with just enough residual sugar to soften the acidity without veering sweet. Pour it with oysters, ceviche, or Thai green curry, or open it as an aperitif when you want something more interesting than sparkling water but need to stay clear-headed. It also works beautifully in a wine-pairing dinner where some guests are drinking and others are not. Off Premise Lincoln Park stocks Selbach Funkelwurtz for pickup at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.