Rheinhessen, Germany's largest wine region by volume, is experiencing a quality revolution, led by producers like Weingut Keller. Once known for bulk wine, it's now gaining recognition for its dry Rieslings, particularly from the famed Roter Hang (Red Slope). This area, with its unique red clay and slate soils, is a source of intensely mineral and age-worthy wines. Rheinhessen, with its rolling hills and varied soils, also produces a diverse range of styles beyond the Roter Hang, often richer and broader than Mosel or Saar wines, while retaining vibrant acidity. The region is quickly establishing itself as a source of high-quality dry Riesling, showcasing a compelling and evolving side of German winemaking.
Germany - Rheinhessen
Riesling is a truly noble grape, known for its incredibly high acidity and a flavor profile that can range from bone dry to lusciously sweet. Germany is its heartland, and it's responsible for some of the world's most age-worthy examples, but Riesling also thrives in Austria, where it usually is dry. In Alsace, it takes on a slightly richer texture, while in parts of Australia, like the Clare and Eden Valleys, it displays a uniquely powerful and lime-tinged aromatic profile. This is a grape that has no problem showcasing its origins, and it's a fantastic example of how one variety can show many different expressions, each with its own unique appeal.