Day 11 | Hessische Bergstrasse

Germany's Small but Mighty Wine Region

Grape Varieties Riesling, Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder)

What Makes Hessische Bergstrasse Special

• Small but Significant: Although it's one of Germany's smallest wine regions, Hessische Bergstrasse is renowned for its high-quality Rieslings that rival those of larger regions.

• Steep Vineyard Slopes: The region's steep, sun-drenched vineyards along the Odenwald mountain range provide the perfect growing conditions for vibrant, aromatic wines.

• Mild Climate: Known for its relatively mild climate compared to other German regions, the warm temperatures help extend the growing season, allowing for fully ripened grapes.

Interesting Fact
Hessische Bergstrasse literally means "Hessian Mountain Road," and the region is one of the oldest wine routes in Germany, dating back to Roman times.

For those who are blind tasting: Hessische Bergstrasse Rieslings often have bright lemon, lime, green apple, white peach, floral aromas, and pronounced minerality with a touch of wet stone. The region’s Pinot Noir can exhibit notes of red cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and subtle earthy tones like mushroom and forest floor.

---

Premium Subscriber Content: Uncovering Hessische Bergstrasse

Terroir Insights
Hessische Bergstrasse benefits from its proximity to the Odenwald forest, which shelters the vineyards from harsh winds and creates a unique microclimate. The soil here is a mix of loess, sand, and limestone, giving the wines a distinctive minerality. The vineyard slopes are steep, and the ample sunshine ensures that the Riesling grapes develop complex flavors with bright acidity.