Rheinhessen

Rheinhessen, with around 26,890 hectares, is Germany's largest wine region — and simultaneously one of the most underestimated. For decades known as a supplier of bulk wine (Liebfraumilch, Blue Nun), Rheinhessen has transformed dramatically since the turn of the millennium: a new generation of bold winemakers — united under the banner of "New Rheinhessen" — now produces wines at an absolute world-class level.

The crown jewel is the Roter Hang between Nierstein and Nackenheim: a narrow slate and Rotliegendes steep slope on the Rhine, whose ancient Permian soils produce Rieslings of extraordinary minerality and depth. Klaus-Peter Keller's G-Max Riesling achieves auction prices that compete with the finest Burgundies.

The region encompasses eight sub-areas with completely different characters: the quiet Alzey-Land with Wagner-Stempel's quartzite steep slopes, the warm Wonnegau with Peth-Wetz's internationally inspired reds, the historic Bingen/Ingelheim and the wine metropolis Mainz.

Today, estates such as Keller, Wittmann, Wagner-Stempel, Battenfeld-Spanier and Sekthaus Raumland rank among Germany's most sought-after addresses. Rheinhessen is living proof that the size of a region is no obstacle to top quality — indeed it also provides space for bold experiments.