Rheingau (wine region)

Rheingau, with 3,125 hectares (7,720 acres) of vineyards in 2016, also boasts a higher proportion of Riesling (77.7%) than any other German wine-growing region, with Spätburgunder (Pinot noir) making up most of the rest (12.2%), followed by Müller-Thurgau.

The greater part of the Rheingau is situated here on the river's right bank, but the region also includes the stretch along Rhine after it turns northward again, around the villages Assmannshausen and Lorch.

Legend has it that Charlemagne let the first vineyards be planted in the region, close to present-day Schloss Johannisberg.

Better documented is the early influence of the church on Rheingau winemaking, which was controlled from Eberbach Abbey.

In medieval times, more red than white wine was produced, usually as Gemischter Satz, i.e. the vineyards were planted with mixed varieties which were vinified together.

Schloss Johannisberg is one of the best known historical important domaines in Germany. It is famous as an early adopter of the Riesling grape varietal, and as the site where the German form of noble rot was discovered by accident.
Erbacher Marcobrunn, surrounded by vineyards.
The Eberbach Abbey was built by the Cistercian monks who founded much of the Rheingau wine industry, and the buildings still house a wine cellar of the Hessian state winery and are used for wine auctions.
Old wine cellar at Eberbach Abbey
Rheingau Wine Official Classification of 1867
A Riesling 1943 wine label from Winkel. A steam boat on the Rhine.
Vineyards close to Rüdesheim , collectively known as Rüdesheimer Berg , as seen from the opposite side of the Rhine.
A Riesling from the Rheingau using the "Feinherb" (off dry) designation.