The best wines from Rheingau in Germany

The Rheingau is probably one of the best wine regions in Germany. The vineyards were already planted in the twelfth century by Cistercian and Benedictine monks. It was the first wine region in Germany with an official vineyard classification. What makes the Rheingau so famous? The beautiful white wines of the Riesling and the no less beautiful red wines of the Spätburgunder.

A wine region of unparalleled allure. The legacy of the Cistercian and Benedictine monks is more than just a few beautiful monasteries from the 12th century. In their abbey gardens they planted vines for their sacred wine. Good was not good enough; noble grape varieties such as Riesling were. With iron discipline and the utmost care they ensured that this vine was happy. Only then could it perform at its best. A few centuries later they also applied this trick to the vineyards of the noblesse. We are still reaping the benefits of it today.

The vineyards are located between the Taunus mountains and the northern bank of the Rhine. The vines face south and the Rhine. As a result, they benefit from a lot of sun, also via the water surface. This almost Mediterranean climate is extremely pleasant for demanding late-ripening varieties such as Riesling and Spätburgunder. No risk sharing by planting 'ten' different grape varieties in the vineyard. But choosing to get the best out of these two nobilities.

Some Müller-thurgau has been planted. But those wines are meant to wash down the local winegrowers' lunch. This does not mean that there is no variation. On the contrary, the different terroirs and harvest times can be tasted in the wine. The Rheingau was also the first in Germany with an official vineyard classification; the Erstes Gewächs wines that have to meet strict selection requirements.

The Rieslings are known for their minerality, a healthy dose of fruity acids and elegance. Especially when their roots are grounded in one of the steep slopes, such as in Rüdesheim or Schlossberg. On rolling hills, the Rieslings are full and rich, but still in balance. From dry to very sweet Trockenbeerenauslese.

The terroir allows auslesen, wine from late-harvested grapes, to be produced. Incidentally, the monks of Schloss Johannisberg already knew this in the 18th century. The share of Riesling is head and shoulders above Spätburgunder, of which less than 15% is planted. But this blue grape has the same balance as Riesling. It can take its time here to develop sufficient aromas and body. Moreover, the soils in Assmanshausen, where it flourishes, provide extra warmth. The dark soil with mainly slate retains the heat of the day and gradually releases it as it cools down.