This historic growing region (home of the Loreley) makes rounded, full, and strong wines on tuff- and pumice stone soils. The most important vine is the Riesling.
The vine cultivation in the basin landscape on the Rhein between Koblenz and Neuwied goes back to the Romans. Suitable steep slopes were developed and terraced for viniculture until the Middle Ages. But not only viniculture gives the region a long history. The Loreley, the blond temptress on the rock by St. Goarshausen, who was many a sailors bane, also gives the region some fame. She also gave a sub-area of this region its name. Because 85% of the vineyards are on terraces, wine-making is still hard manual labor here. The Rhein is a heat-reflector and temperature regulator, and makes for mild microclimate, which helps the Riesling.
With 76% of area planted with Riesling, it is definitely the leader. But also its bouquet, the richness n nuances, and its unmistakable taste help make the Rhein Riesling 'typically Rhein'. The slate soil gives it its fine aroma and racy acidity, that is polished after storage. Then it gets its spice and refinement. The Riesling is followed by the Müller-Thurgau, though only far behind (8%), followed by Kerner, Late Burgundy, and Portuguese. Red vines used to be widely grown, and are now on a slight rise again. They are led by the Blue Burgundy. New breedings don't play an important role in the Middle Rhein region.
If one wants to trace the Rhein between Rüdesheim and Bingen on bicycle or by foot, one should visit the many cellars and hostels on the last Sunday in June. On this day the streets along the Rhein are closed to cars and the vineyards invite to tasting.
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