Rheinterrasse

The Rheinterrasse (Rhine Terrace) refers to the vineyards along the Rhine front from Mainz-Laubenheim via Bodenheim and Nackenheim to Guntersblum and Alsheim. The river forms the eastern boundary of Rheinhessen; the vineyards lie on terraces and slopes overlooking the Rhine. Well-known sites are the Bodenheimer Burgweg and the Laubenheimer Edelmann; the Roter Hang lies between Nackenheim and Nierstein.

The soils vary greatly: loess and limestone on the terraces, while the Roter Hang is made of red Rotliegend, an iron-rich sedimentary rock of the Permian. Rheinhessen is among Germany's drier wine regions; the Rhine moderates extremes, and the warm, sheltered sites ripen early.

Riesling and Silvaner shape the variety mix, with Spätburgunder and Weißburgunder alongside. Rieslings from the Roter Hang are known for their power and mineral spice. The Mainzer Stadtwinzer and estates such as Gunderloch in Nackenheim are among the well-known names of the Rhine front.