Rheingau [RINE-gow]
The wines of this German Anbaugebiet (quality-wine region) are considered by many to be some of the finest in Germany and among the world’s great wines. Over 80 percent of the 8,000 vineyard acres are planted with Riesling, Germany’s premier variety. The Rheingau, whose vineyards cover the right (northerly) bank of the Rhine River, starts just east of Hochheim and extends north to Lorch, with the principal portion situated between the villages of Rauenthal and Rüdesheim. The climate and soil of this stretch of vineyards is ideal for Riesling. It’s from this area that the Rheingau gets its reputation for wines that are generally rich, fruity, and full-bodied (see body) with a steely character. The better vintages can produce Auslese, Beerenauslese, and occasionally Trockenbeerenauslese wines of remarkable quality. Even though these wines are very rich, they’re balanced with good acidity and are capable of very long aging. The Rheingau’s only Bereich is Johannisberg, which covers the entire region and includes ten grosslagen—Burgweg, Daubhaus, Deutelsberg, Erntebringer, Gottesthal, Heiligensotck, Honigberg, Mehrhölzchen, Steil, and Steinmächer. Some of Germany’s best-known wine estates are located here, including schloss Johannisberg, schloss Schönborn, schloss Rheinhartshausen, and schloss Vollrads. See also Erstes Gewachs.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.