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Middle Rhine wine region:
Wine and culture along the Middle Rhine.
Geographic location: Western Germany
The Middle Rhine wine region extends from Bingen to the outskirts of Bonn. Punctuated by sheer ridges overlooking the river, the narrow Rhine valley is renowned for its picturesque scenery, not least because of the beautiful but labour-intensive vineyards, most of which are on steep hillsides.
In 2002, UNESCO saw fit to bestow World Heritage status upon the Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz.
The region is home to the legendary Loreley Rock and a string of mighty forts and castle ruins, many of which lend their names to the local wineries. For people who love to get out and about, there are plenty of options to explore the countryside on foot, by bike or on the Rhine itself.
Visitors can relax afterwards at vineyard taverns and enjoy home-made regional fare with their wine. 70 percent of all grapes in the Middle Rhine valley are rieslings, which revel in the conditions on the slate valley slopes. Fantastic wines are also made from varieties such as the pinot noir and the kerner.
The latter, a cross between a trollinger and a riesling, produces strong, full-bodied wines with a delicate balance of fruit and acidity. Good kerners are renowned for their distinctive flavour and notes of citrus and tropical fruits.
Those made from specially selected ultra-ripe grapes deliver exquisite aromas of honey and fruits, both dried and stewed.
