AURA Riesling Kombucha

AURA begins where all Schätzel wines begin: in the vineyard. Demeter-certified Riesling grapes from biodynamically cultivated vineyards in Nierstein, hand-picked and foot-pulled. 19% Riesling grape must forms the basis, the rest is tea infusion made from water, basil and lime mint, both organically grown. Lemon juice concentrate, ginger juice, a pinch of salt, all organic, all on purpose. Instead of removing alcohol, as is usual with de-alcoholized wines, none is produced here in the first place. Kombucha cultures, a living symbiosis of bacteria and yeasts, transform the fructose into acidity, fine carbon dioxide and stability. No intervention, no additives, no concentrate to cover up what is missing. Unfiltered, bottled in light returnable bottles, 0.35% alcohol. In the glass: fine perlage, light golden, slightly cloudy. On the nose: citrus zest, fresh ginger, basil, a floral lightness reminiscent of young Riesling must. On the palate, this laser: citrusy, salty, crisp, with a herbal spiciness on the finish that shows that a real wine connoisseur was at work here. No wine, no juice, no energy drink. AURA is its own thing.