What makes the microclimate superior in Rothenberg?
The proximity to the Rhine, the red soil and the steep slopes which all face the river and to the southeast. Great vineyards are always on the bank of the river. Because the river gives the vineyard a good microclimate. We produce our wines in a cool climate we are very north in Europe, so microclimate is very important. That is why you find Riesling so seldom in Germany because it needs good vineyards; it needs a long hang time, compared to Sylvaner or Muller Thurgau, which always ripen early. I would guess only 15-20% of the vineyards are good for Riesling. You cannot plant Riesling in a Muller Thurgau vineyard, for example. The problem with Riesling is that the acidity is high and a good microclimate balances the acidity. Q19: It seems to me that making Riesling is simple relative to other wines. You press the grapes, ferment, fine and filter. You don t have to worry about color, malolactic fermentation or oak barrels. What is the biggest challenge in producing great Riesling? First
