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Rheingau
Take a trip back in time and visit Germany's most central wine growing region and home of some of the world's oldest wine-growing families. The region of Rheingau is one long hillside topped by the thick forests of the Taunus Hills to the north and bordered by the Rhine river to the south.
The southern-facing exposure, condensation from the river, large amount of clay in the soil, and the Mediterranean-type climate combine to produce densely rich flavours and heavy masculine wines. This is where the famous cloisters and estates cultivated and refined the noble Riesling.
The popularity of this region's wines have served to drive prices skyward, however good values are still to be found if one seeks out the smaller producers who still offer excellent wines at great values. Full bodied red wine is also made here from the Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), particularly from the steep vineyards around Assmannshausen.
Vineyard Classification
Since 1994 the Rheingau is the first German region to have a semi official vineyard classification, drawn up by the Charta organization and the VdP Rheingau. The best sites will be allowed to carry the designation ``Erstes Gewächs" (first growth). The use of this designation is optional, and the wine has to be in dry style or at least an Auslese.
Size and Main Grape Varieties
3,288 ha (ca. 7,250 acres) under vine
81% Riesling
9% Spätburgunder