UK launch for German wine-infused gin

By Tara Craig

Published: 31 January, 2014

German distillers are to target the UK market with a Riesling-infused gin.

Ferdinand's Saar Dry Gin is distinctive for its 'floral and grassy lemon notes', according to its makers. The gin features 30 hand-picked organic botanicals, and has an abv of 44%.

Master distiller Andreas Vallendar has chosen thyme, lavender and juniper as the key botanicals, but he has also used sloe, rosehip, angelica and even hop blossom for the new gin. Also of note, said the makers, is his use of almond shell, coriander and ginger, the latter giving the gin significant spice.

The wine - Schiefer Riesling - is added post-distillation. A semi-sweet Riesling from the Saar region, it is known for its 'elegance and fruity radiance', qualities which the makers say comes through in the gin.

"It's different and because of this, perhaps not for the gin purist. If you like your conventions challenged and are searching for something unusual however, this is a gin for you", said the makers, adding that while juniper 'doesn't play second-fiddle', it is much more subtle in this botanically intense gin.

The gin is produced by a partnership - Andreas Vallendar and his Avadis Distillery in Wincheringen, Dorothee Zilliken from the VDP Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken estate in Saarburg and the Saarbrucken marketing company Capulet & Montague.

Ferdinand's Saar Dry Gin is named in honour of Royal Prussian District Forester Ferdinand Geltz, co-founder of the VDP Mosel-Saar-Ruwer growers' group. Packaged in retro-style wine bottles, it is closed with a natural cork sealed in beeswax.

The gin will be available in the UK from spring 2014. The makers are currently negotiating with several importers, Capulet & Montague sales manager Denis Sebastian Reinhardt told Harpers.

Reinhardt also confirmed that Ferdinand's Saar Dry Gin will launch into the UK via the London bar scene as well as its off-trade. This will be the gin's first foray beyond the central European market, he added.

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