Rheinhessen |
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Rheinhessen is the largest German wine growing region, by size and by harvest. Vineyards cover ca. 26.000 ha, a quarter of the total area in Germany. The region is bordered by the river Rhein in the north and east, and by the regions of Nahe in the west and Pfalz in the south. 
Soiltypes include loess, limestone and loam, often mixed with sand or gravel, are the main soil types. Rotliegendes is a red, slaty-sandy clay soil in the steep riverfront vineyards of Nackenheim and Nierstein and near Bingen, there is an outcropping of quartzite-slate. Grape types are varied, ranging from Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling to Dornfelder and Spaetburgunder. 
Rheinhessen wines are often characterized as being soft, fragrant, medium-bodied and mild in acidity, pleasant, easy-to-drink wines. There are also wines of great class and elegance, with a depth and complexity second to none. Top wines from this region are classiefied as 'Selection Rheinhessen' and 'Grosse Gewächse Rheinhessen'. 
The area is called the land of the 1000 hills, often called the Switzerland of Rheinhessen. Dreamland for cycling tours, horse trailing or taking the hot air balloon for enjoying the countryside. It has ancient cities like Mainz and Worms with old cathedrals and historical buildings, |
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