A unique Riesling from the Rheingau
The Rheingau wine growing region with its fairytale castles, palaces and monasteries stretches along the two rivers Rhine and Main. On a total area of 3,200 hectares, 80% of the vineyards are cultivated with the Riesling grape variety. The Riesling is known for its own Rheingau character. Compared to other German wine regions, white wine is mostly semi-dry or dry and has less acidity, but a more spicy and stronger taste. Due to its complexity, Riesling from the Rheingau requires at least two years to develop. The mild weather also benefits the grapes. The Taunus low mountain range protects the vines from heavy rainfall, while the southern slopes ensure optimal sunshine. German wine predicates have their origin in the Rheingau, which means that there are many classified sites in this wine region. The Rheingau wine region is divided into eleven major vineyards and 123 individual vineyards, the most famous of which are Hochheim, Hallgarten, Eltville, Hattenheim, Lorch, Rüdesheim, Wicker and Assmannshausen. The last one is known for its traditional Spätburgunder, which is highly appreciated in the Rheingau after Riesling.
Rheingau wine region - the beginning of the late harvest
The history of the German Rheingau wine region can be traced back to Roman times. However, the Rhine-Main area experienced its absolute heyday in the 11th century with the founding of the two monasteries Johannisberg and Eberbach. Under the two monastic orders of the Bendedictines and the Cistercians, the Rheingau wine region developed into the absolute centre of German viticulture. The area under vines was nine times larger than today. The monks planted the first varietal Riesling and successfully developed cellar techniques, piping and filter systems. From the Cabinet cellar of the Cistercian monastery, which still exists today, comes the quality designation "Kabinett", which designates particularly elegant wines with little alcohol.
In modern times, wine techniques were perfected by the nobility and the wine community of Hochheim in particular established itself as a synonym for first-class Rhine wines. Above all, the Rheingau Riesling from Hochheim was sold at particularly high prices and in England it quickly received the term "Hocks" in reference to its origin. The winegrowers made a special discovery in 1775: in order to harvest their grapes, Schloss Johannisberg had to obtain permission from the Prince Bishop. However, the messenger was delayed by two weeks, so that in the meantime the grapes began to rot. The resulting wine tasted surprisingly good - and so the late harvest was born.
Successful vintner from the Rheingau
Every wine region in the Rheingau has different soil conditions. In many places the soil consists of clay or loam, elsewhere of quartzite, loess or slate. This is also how the Joachim Flick Winery creates unique Riesling wines with a great spiciness and minerality, because 30 million years ago its growing region was a freshwater sea, which is why the soil is still very calcareous today. The Balthasar Ress Winery from Hattenheim also produces mainly Rieslings with a strong character. The winery, now in its fifth generation, looks back on 130 years of successful wine history.