Jörg Geiger Limalfi Aperitivo Italiano non-alcoholic. Sparkling non-alcoholic aperitivo with Amalfi lemon, yellow plum, and Silver Needle tea – citrusy, floral, and finely tart.

Jörg Geiger Limalfi Aperitivo Italiano non-alcoholic is a sparkling, non-alcoholic aperitivo from the Jörg Geiger manufactory in Schlat on the Swabian Jura: dealcoholized wine with lemon juice from Limoni Costa d'Amalfi I.G.P., yellow plum, grape, apple, and kiwi juice, tea made from Silver Needle and peony, acacia blossoms, and olive leaves, 0.0% vol, 750 ml. Not a limoncello, not a lemonade, not a red bitter.

Limalfi by Jörg Geiger is the manufactory's answer to the Italian aperitivo, that half-hour before dinner. The base is dealcoholized wine, making up nearly 40 percent of the bottle. Added to this is five percent lemon juice from the Amalfi Coast with protected geographical indication, as well as yellow plum, grape, apple, and kiwi. According to the manufacturer, the composition contains over 50 botanicals, including lemon verbena and lemon thyme. Tea made from Silver Needle and peony provides structure. Finishing the day on the balcony with green olives, salted almonds, and a piece of pecorino on the table: a cold, straw-yellow glass with fine effervescence is the perfect match.

Taste

On the nose, Limalfi shows fresh lemon zest, ripe yellow plum, apple, and subtle notes of white peach. Behind this lie delicate floral hints of peony and white blossoms, a slightly grassy tea nuance, and a touch of kiwi. On the palate, a lively interplay of citrus and apple acidity begins. The sweetness is finely understated.

The aperitivo is supported by elegant, slightly tart tea notes that provide structure and length. The fine effervescence supports freshness and precision. The finish is clear, invigorating, and persistent. Limalfi works with citrus, blossoms, and tea rather than bitter agents, which is why it is more accessible than a classic red aperitif.

Usage

Serve Limalfi well-chilled at 6 to 8 °C. A white wine glass with a wide opening gives the floral fragrance and tea room to breathe. The manufactory recommends it with light Mediterranean dishes, antipasti, fish, and fine salads, or served neat as an aperitif.

Marinated antipasti, fresh goat cheese with olive oil, a fennel and orange salad, or canned sardines with bread and lemon are good partners. The acidity in the glass cuts through oil and fat. It holds its own just as well with grilled sea bream or scampi with garlic. The 750 ml bottle fills a good seven aperitivo glasses, making it enough for a group of six. Two hours in the refrigerator are enough to bring it to temperature. The dealcoholized wine contains sulfites.

Our tip: Before serving, rub a piece of lemon peel around the rim of the glass. The essential oil of the peel brings the Amalfi lemon to the nose before the first sip.

Origin

Limalfi comes from the Jörg Geiger manufactory in Schlat on the Albtrauf of the Swabian Jura. Jörg Geiger is a trained chef and took over his parents' inn, the Lamm, in 1997. Since 2003, non-alcoholic sparkling compositions have been created in Schlat, and since 2023, the manufactory has been dealcoholizing wines in its in-house facility.

With Limalfi, Jörg Geiger brings an ingredient from Italy to Schlat: lemons from the Amalfi Coast, whose origin is guaranteed by the protected geographical indication. Working with herbs, blossoms, and tea is done in their own workshop. According to the manufactory, they have around 200 spices, 70 herbs, blossoms, and self-extracted hydrolats at their disposal. Composition and bottling take place in Schlat.

For whom

Limalfi is for everyone who loves the Italian aperitivo and wants to celebrate it alcohol-free. It suits summer evenings, garden parties, and any table with drivers or pregnant guests. As a gift for Italy fans, the bottle featuring the Amalfi lemon looks great. The counterpart with hibiscus and damson is the Teasecco Rosé. For a tart option with wormwood and yarrow, there is the Aecht Bitter. You can find all bottles on our Jörg Geiger page. Limalfi is not suitable for those expecting the sweetness of a Limoncello Spritz – it is dry and tea-focused.

Amalfi lemon, yellow plum, and Silver Needle tea – the non-alcoholic aperitivo from Schlat for olives, antipasti, and ending the day on the balcony.