Region

MITTELRHEIN
The Mittelrhein, the Middle Rhine Valley, also known as the Rhine Gorge, is one of Europe's oldest wine-growing areas, but also one of the smallest in Germany: 467 hectares of vineyards. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, the Mittelrhein extends over 65 kilometres. The municipalities of Bingen and Rüdesheim are one edge, while the other is the city of Koblenz. The region is the Rhineland-Palatinate. The valley, carved out by the river, becomes particularly narrow, creating a natural setting of extraordinary beauty. Numerous fortresses and castles of medieval origin rise up along steep slopes overlooking the water. The legend of Lorelei is famous: it is said that a beautiful mermaid lived in this stretch of river. Sitting on a high rock, her song and her golden hair would have attracted sailors to the rocks. The vine has lived here for 2,000 years, planted by Roman soldiers. The best exposures are those terraced or with gradients between 50 and 70%, while the soils are mainly slate. This type of rock formation allows Riesling, the most cultivated grape variety, and Pinot Noir, a red grape variety of monastic tradition, to have deep roots, as well as taking advantage of the few hours of light and heat. The Mittelrhein Rieslings' bouquet is famous: fruity and engaging in youth, they turn after years of aging to mineral and hydrocarbon notes.

BACHARACH
Bacharach am Rhein is a small town in the Mittelrhein, halfway between Bingen and Koblenz. A Celtic settlement, it already existed before the arrival of the Roman legions. However, its name is linked to the arrival of the latter, the cultivation of vines and the production of wine. It derives, in fact, from Baccarach or Baccaracum, more probably Bacchi-Ara; it seems, in fact, that an "altar of Bacchus" was found here. Bacharach, over the centuries, has developed an important agricultural and commercial vocation. Historical buildings of medieval origin with typical half-timbered structures, slate quarries, churches, a monastery and large vineyards facing south and south-east, reveal its ancient splendour. An imposing fortress built between the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century, Burg Stahleck, about one kilometre from the winery, dominates the town and the river. It was used as an administrative headquarters, warehouse and trading post, including the region's own wine. Today it is used as a youth hostel. The name comes from the fusion of the words from the medium-high German stahel (steel) and ecke (corner), translated "impregnable castle on the fortress". The city offers an excellent level of hospitality; the tourist reception is well organized, numerous restaurants, winebars, and in general the entire gastronomic offer. Bacharach has four famous Cru: Hahn, Wolfshöhle, Posten and St. Jost.