Rheinhessen is the largest wine region in Germany, accounting for about a quarter of Germany’s total vineyard area.
Rheinhessen is the largest wine region in Germany, accounting for about a quarter of Germany’s total vineyard area.
Rheinhessen is located in the southwest of Germany. The region is bounded by Rheingau and Hessen on the north, by Nahe and Palatinate on the southwest and south, and by Baden on the east.
The region is divided into two districts: Ingelheim & Alzey
It lies northwest of the city of Mainz, stretching to Oppenheim on the Rhine in the north and to Worms on the Rhine in the south.
It lies northwest of the city of Mainz, stretching to Oppenheim on the Rhine in the north and to Worms on the Rhine in the south. It is one of 13 designated wine regions (Anbaugebiete) in Germany that may appear on labels of wine bottles, as specified by an official decision of the European Union. The region comprises parts of the Rhenish Hesse, Palatinate regions and Rhineland-Palatinate. The most populous towns are Mainz and Worms.
The whole region covers a total area of roughly 1620 square kilometres (625 sq mi) which makes it slightly smaller than Malta or half as large as Jamaica. In terms of area size, only Rheingau is smaller and Mosel, Ahr, Nahe and Saale-Unstrut are larger (Hessische Bergstrasse soil type).
Rheinhessen was once known as ‘the happy garden of Germany’.
Rheinhessen was once known as ‘the happy garden of Germany’. This is because the region was so fertile that in the 19th century, it supplied most of Germany’s bread and wine. The land here is incredibly fertile: it’s silty soil with lots of nutrients and minerals. The area hasn’t been affected by erosion like other regions have, so their topsoil has stayed intact, creating the ideal conditions for growing grapes.
The region is today best known for dry wines made from Müller-Thurgau and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), or white wines from Silvaner and Riesling.
The region is known for its warm climate and is thus the home to some of Germany’s most full-bodied wines. They are typically fruity and not very acidic, making them easy to drink and perfect for summer days. Müller-Thurgau accounts for over 40% of all vines planted in Rheinhessen, making it the most common variety in the region. Other varieties include Riesling, Pinot Noir and Silvaner.
It is the warmest wine region in Germany, enjoying a climate ameliorated by its location along the Rhine River.
You may assume that because Germany is in Europe, it’s cold and wet everywhere. Not so! As you explore the wine regions of Germany, you’ll find that there are many parts where the weather is more amenable to growing grapes. This is definitely the case in Rheinhessen, the warmest wine region in Germany, which enjoys a climate ameliorated by its location along the Rhine River. The river helps keep frost at bay and moderates temperatures throughout the growing season; if you’re a chilly-weather lover, don’t worry—the mountains to the east and north do their part to keep things brisk.
The average rainfall is 600 mm / year, with an annual average temperature of 10°C.
The average rainfall is 600 mm / year, with an annual average temperature of 10°C. The prime grape-growing areas are situated on the slopes descending towards the Rhine river, which run from southwest to north-northeast and are therefore exposed to the sun for most of the day. These vineyard locations run in strip form along both sides of the Rhine between Bingen and Worms, as well as to the right (west) of Alzey up to Kirchheimbolanden. Some notable locations include:
- Nierstein (rotation site)
- Oppenheim
- Ingelheim
- Gau-Odernheim
The Rheinhessen wine region is divided into two districts, Ingelheim (north) and Alzey (south).
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The main grape varieties grown here are Muller-Thurgau (39%), Dornfelder (16%), Silvaner (14%) and Scheurebe (6%).
- It’s pretty cool that this region is the home of Muller-Thurgau, a hybrid variety of grape. It’s a cross between Riesling and Silvaner.
- Scheurebe is a white variety of grape that comes from the Saale region of Germany. It can have very fruity and mild flavors with hints of honey, honeysuckle, rose and sour apple.
This variety grows well in the region’s warm climate, producing simple fruity wines.
I always recommend trying Silvaner, a unique local variety. Grown in the local soil, it takes on a fuller flavor and aroma than it does when grown elsewhere. Sekt is often made from Muller-Thurgau, which is widely planted and makes a simple fruity wine best suited for early consumption.
Pinot Noir has been planted here since 1825, when a particularly productive clone was introduced from Burgundy.
- Pinot Noir is the most popular red grape variety in Germany.
- It is a native French variety and was introduced to this region from Burgundy in 1825.
- It is known for its difficult character, but thrives here, producing some of the best German red wines.
- Worldwide it is found from Burgundy to New Zealand and spread across South America as well.