A small region in the north of Germany. Mostly red wines are grown (75%), the main vines are Late Burgundy, called "Ahrburgunder".
500 ha of yards on mostly on slate or weathered slate soils, and in the lower Ahr Valley on deep loess, make this wine region one of Germany's smallest. The Ahr snakes through the deep valley of rough volcanic rock through fertile pastures in the lower area, to the mostly natural delta. The majority of vineyards are on steep slopes, which leads to good quality, but makes the vintners' work difficult and more expensive. Though this area in the Ahr Valley is one of the farthest north, there is still an unusual mild Mediterranean climate, which is because heat backs up between the close rock-walls, and gives itself off during the night.
The leading vine is the Late Burgundy, which takes up 50% of the area and carries the nickname "Ahrburgunder". It has its own - for a German wine- lighter character than those from Burgundy. The Early Burgundy only plays a small part. The Portuguese gives off lighter red wines, that are especially popular during the summer. A new breed is the Domina, a cross between Portuguese and Late Burgundy. Optima, Ortega, Würzer, and Bacchus are white breeds. The steep slopes are reserved for the Riesling. Other vines are Dornfelder, Dunkelfelder, Rotberger and Riesling. Müller Thurgau is being reduced. Many vintners from Ahr know the usage of the barrique, which gives the wines more body.
The Ahr red-wine street is suited for the trip from wine-town to wine-town (a total of 16), and the red wine hiking trail shows a most beautiful country. At Pentecost the vintners offer their products for tasting at the historical marketplace. The culinary creations and music make this festival a celebration.
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