Germany
Rheinhessen
Comprising almost 26,600 hectares, Rheinhessen covers the largest vineyard area of any other German wine region. Rheinhessen is a source of deep, complex Rieslings grown on exceptional soils, such as those on the legendary ‘Roter Hang’.
Situated in the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Rheinhessen is divided into three districts – Nierstein, Bingen and Wonnegau – as well as 24 Grosslagen (large conglomerate vineyard sites) and 432 Einzellagen (single vineyards). The Rhine forms the region’s natural boundary to the east and to the north (where the Rheingau is situated over the river). Rheinhessen is adjoined to the west by the Nahe and to the south by the Pfalz.
Rieslings with depth
The region benefits from a veritable patchwork of soils that complement the slightly cooler but very sunny and relatively dry climate. In particular, the towns of Nackenheim, Nierstein and Oppenheim are a spiritual home for Riesling. The ‘Roter Hang’ stretching from Nierstein to Nackenheim is a terroir that produces Rieslings of immense depth and complexity. White grapes like Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Silvaner dominate in Rheinhessen, accounting for 74% of the total vineyard area. Scheurebe used to be very popular, but there is an increasing inclination to plant Sauvignon Blanc in its place instead. Pinot Noir, Dornfelder and Portugieser are the most important red varieties.
Quality-oriented
At the turn of the 20th century, Liebfraumilch from Rheinhessen was among the best and most expensive wines money could buy. It was only later that it morphed into the infamous medium-sweet, mass-produced imitation that would tarnish the region’s image. Since the beginning of this century, young, dynamic winemakers have put the focus back on quality. Since 2008, Rheinhessen and the city of Mainz have been members of the ‘Great Wine Capitals Global Network’ – an alliance of ten internationally renowned cities and wine regions.
