Noble Riesling's heartland
Rheingau
Germany
Region Details
Climate
Temperate, protected, south-facing
Soil
Slate, quartzite, loess, phyllite
Varietals
2 key grapes
Sub-regions
4 areas
Wine styles
Key varietals
Wine Heritage
History of Rheingau
"Noble Riesling's heartland"
Cistercian monks at Kloster Eberbach pioneered quality winemaking here 900 years ago. The Rheingau invented Spätlese (late harvest) in 1775 and established Germany's first wine classification in 1867.
About Rheingau
The Rheingau is Germany's most prestigious wine region, where south-facing slopes along the Rhine produce Rieslings of power and elegance. Historic estates here have shaped the global understanding of great Riesling.
Terroir
The Rhine bends east-west here, creating south-facing slopes that maximize sun exposure. The Taunus mountains protect from cold northern winds. The result is Riesling with more body and power than the Mosel.
Flavor Profile
Sub-regions
Rüdesheim
Powerful, steep slopes, iconic
Johannisberg
Historic, classic, age-worthy
Hochheim
Full-bodied, earthy, rich
Eltville
Elegant, refined, balanced