Rheinhessen Wine Guide: Grapes, Appellations & Producers

Red-slate riverfront

Tip · Rheinhessen was once a sweet-bulk byword; a young-grower revolution (led by Keller) now makes some of Germany's most sought-after dry Riesling.

Value pick

Gunderloch 'Jean-Baptiste' Kabinett · ~$25

Off-dry Riesling from the red-slate Roter Hang — spicy, mineral and a long-running critics' value darling.

Collector pick

Keller 'Hipping' Riesling GG · ~$150 · 2019

A red-slate Grand Cru from Germany's most coveted producer — fiercely collected.

The rolling interior

Soil: Loess, limestone and clay across gentle hills — Germany's biggest vineyard area.
Style: Everything from crisp Silvaner to serious dry Riesling; vast quality range.
Top sites: Wonnegau (around Westhofen) hides Keller's legendary G-Max vines.
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021
Producers: Battenfeld-Spanier

Tip · The unglamorous interior hides gold: the Wonnegau, around Westhofen, is home to Keller — maker of Germany's most coveted dry Riesling.

Value pick

Wittmann Silvaner Trocken · ~$22

Biodynamic, mineral, dry Silvaner from a Wonnegau star — a characterful, food-loving white and a steal.

Collector pick

Keller 'G-Max' Riesling · ~$1,500 · 2019

Germany's most coveted dry Riesling — tiny production, secretive source, legendary status.