The Ahr in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate is Germany's largest contiguous red wine producing area. Its steep, heat-retaining slate hillsides – which are volcanic in origin – are perfect for cultivating exquisite grapes. Spätburgunder (pinot noir), Frühburgunder (pinot madeleine), Portugieser, Dornfelder, Riesling and Müller-Thurgau all thrive in this wine region of around 520 hectares. It is sheltered by the Eifel hills, and the mild climate of the Cologne basin also provides favourable growing conditions. Today's growers who cultivate the vines in the romantic hills overlooking the meandering river Ahr are continuing a tradition established by the Romans. In 1868 a wine cooperative was established by the wine growers of the Ahr region. This was a pioneering move for it was the first organisation of its kind in the world.
###topnav_foldup###
No comments
