Nahe is a small wine-growing region in Germany with only 400 hectares of vines. Late blooming, the region has revealed its potential in the 1990's.
Between Mosel, Rheingau and Rheinhessen, the region of Nahe follows the course of the Nahe River, a tributary of the Rhine. The vineyards spread on the steep hillsides of the riverbanks and are south facing to receive the sunshine. The soil's composites are extremely varied – slate, clay, limestone, quartz, volcanic rocks – which gives a wide range of wines.
The climatic conditions in Nahe are milder than the other Germanic wine regions. There is not heavy rainfall, the frost risk is slim and the surrounding mountains protect against the colder winds. The climate guarantees a warm and dry summer to ripen the grape.
Wine grape varieties in Nahe
The wine industry in Nahe turned towards the white wine. Nowadays, the wine region has given priority to the Riesling that produces spicy, fruity elegant wines, stronger than the Rieslings from Mosel. The Germanic variety Müller-Thurgau was the most common in the region before the comeback of the Riesling. This grape uses to make lighter floral white wines. There is planting of Sylvaner that produces earthly subtle wines.
Nahe is home to a small production of red wines made from Dornfelder, Spatburgunder and Portugieser.
Best producer's in Nahe
Nahe's greatest wine producers Donnhoff and Emrich Schönleber have considerably contributed to the region's international fame.
