Jörg Geiger Gradwanderung 36 Degrees Grenache non-alcoholic. De-alcoholized red wine made from Grenache and Syrah with plum and herbs – dark, dry, and tannin-forward.

Jörg Geiger Gradwanderung 36 Degrees Grenache non-alcoholic is a still, dry food companion from the GRAD°WANDERUNG line. The base consists of 75% de-alcoholized red wine from Grenache and Syrah, refined with plum, grape, currant, and blackberry juice, as well as herbs, blossoms, and spices. Under 0.5% ABV, 750 ml, crafted in Schlat at the foot of the Swabian Alb. Not grape juice, not red wine with alcohol – a red wine alternative with its own unique signature.

Gradwanderung 36 Degrees Grenache by Jörg Geiger starts out as a real red wine. The wine is first fermented in the traditional way, after which the alcohol is removed. This process is known as de-alcoholized wine. Jörg Geiger carries this out in his own in-house facility using vacuum distillation. Under a high vacuum of 50 mbar, the wine is sprayed into two seven-meter-high columns. The aromas are captured as aromatic water and partially added back. The number on the label represents the temperature used in this process. For the Grenache, it is 36 °C. Afterwards, the manufactory refines the wine with juices, herbs, and blossoms so that it regains depth when served at the table. The wine consists of 60 percent Grenache and 40 percent Syrah.

Taste

In the glass, the 36 Degrees has a bouquet of currant and plum, accompanied by an ethereal, herbaceous note. The manufactory describes it as having a strong character, and that is accurate. The plum, which makes up the largest portion of the juice at 10 percent, gives the nose its dark fruit.

On the palate, it is opulent and dark, with Mediterranean herbs and expressive tannins. Rosemary and thyme resonate, while blackberry and currant maintain the fruitiness. With 2.7 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters, it remains dry. Those looking for a fruity-sweet red wine substitute will find the tannins too strict – this is a wine meant for meals, not for the sofa.

Usage

The manufactory recommends a serving temperature of 16 to 18 °C in a Bordeaux glass. If served cold from the refrigerator, the Grenache loses its herbal notes, so it is better to give it some time.

It pairs well with hearty dishes, dark sauces, and aged hard cheese. As a specific food pairing, the producer suggests Saltimbocca of Egli (perch fillet) with sage and ham. Braised dishes, quickly seared dark meat, braised Mediterranean vegetables, and South of France cuisine are also excellent matches. The tannins cut through the fat, and the plum complements the sauce.

Our tip: Open the bottle half an hour before your meal. Serve with an aged mountain cheese on your cheese board – the herbs in the glass and the spiciness of the cheese play perfectly off each other.

Origin

The Jörg Geiger manufactory is located in Schlat at the foot of the Swabian Alb. Jörg Geiger is a trained chef and took over his parents' inn, "Lamm," in 1997 at the age of 22. He began working with the "Champagner Bratbirne" (pear) in 1998 and bottled his first PriSecco in 2003. Since 2023, he has been de-alcoholizing wines for the GRAD°WANDERUNG line in his own facility.

According to the producer, around 200 spices, 70 herbs, blossoms, and house-made hydrolats are available for refinement. The juices, herbal and blossom extracts in the 36 Degrees come from organic farming, and the beverage is vegan. It contains sulfites. The raw material for many of the manufactory’s products is "Schwäbisches WiesenObst" (Swabian meadow fruit) from local orchards. Every step up to bottling takes place at the manufactory.

For whom

The 36 Degrees is the bottle for red wine drinkers who are driving, taking a break, or want to stay clear-headed today. They still want a glass with tannins and herbs to accompany their roast. It is perfect for a Sunday dinner with pot roast or a cheese evening with friends.

Those who prefer something lighter and fresher should reach for the 32 Degrees Riesling, and those looking for a more refined red should try the 37° Pinot Noir. The entire line can be found on our Jörg Geiger page. The Grenache is not suitable for those looking for a soft, sweet grape juice substitute.

Grenache and Syrah, de-alcoholized at 36 °C and refined with plum and herbs – the dark, non-alcoholic food companion from Jörg Geiger.