The Nahe and its wines

The Nahe is one of the most fascinating wine regions of Germany, along the river of the same name in the south-west of the country. Although less well known than the Mosel or the Rheingau, the Nahe produces some of the best Riesling German, characterised by minerality, freshness and great aromatic finesse.

Thanks to the a variety of soils, ranging from slate and quartzite to volcanic rock and clay, the wines of the Nahe are extremely complex and versatile. As well as the Riesling, the region also produces excellent Weißburgunder (Pinot Bianco), Grauburgunder (Pinot Grigio) and Spätburgunder (Pinot Nero).

What is the Nahe wine district?

The Nahe is one of the 13 official German wine regions (Anbaugebiete) and covers around 4.200 hectares of vineyards, with a strong predominance of Riesling, which accounts for over 25% of production.

The region falls into three main areas:

• Lower Nahe → A cooler climate, with elegant, mineral Rieslings.
• Middle Nahe → The most important area, with complex, very long-lived Rieslings.
• Upper Nahe → Warmer and sunnier, ideal for Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco and Spätburgunder.

The Great Wine Regions of the Nahe

1. Lower Nahe (Niederhausen, Schlossböckelheim)

• Main grape variety: Riesling.
• Style: Fresh, mineral wines, with vibrant acidity.
• Famous appellations: Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle, Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg.

2. Middle Nahe (Bad Kreuznach, Roxheim)

• Main grape varieties: Riesling, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder.
• Style: Wines of great structure, with excellent ageing potential.
• Famous appellations: Roxheimer Höllenpfad, Bad Kreuznacher Krötenpfuhl.

3. Upper Nahe (Monzingen, Meddersheim)

• Main grape varieties: Riesling, Spätburgunder.
• Style: Balanced whites and elegant reds.
• Famous appellations: Monzinger Halenberg, Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg.

Characteristics of Nahe Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow with greenish highlights.
• Reds: Light ruby red, with garnet tones in the aged Pinot Neros.

Aromas

• Fruity: White peach, green apple, lemon in the Rieslings; cherry and wild strawberry in the Pinot Neros.
• Floral: White flowers and jasmine in the Rieslings; rose in the Pinots.
• Mineral and Spicy: Notes of flint in the Rieslings, black pepper in the Pinot Nero wines.

Palate

• Fresh and Mineral: In the whites, with vibrant acidity and a long finish.
• Elegant and Structured: In the Pinot Nero wines, with silky tannins and great complexity.
• Savoury and Aromatic: In the Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco wines, with excellent drinkability.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Nahe

White Grape Varieties

• Riesling: The grape variety that symbolises the region, with great longevity and mineral acidity.
• Weißburgunder (Pinot Bianco): Fresh and aromatic, perfect for drinking young.
• Grauburgunder (Pinot Grigio): More structured and soft, with excellent savouriness.

Black Grape Varieties

• Spätburgunder (Pinot Nero): Elegant and spicy, with excellent ageing potential.

Why Choose a Wine from the Nahe?

A wine from the Nahe is a perfect synthesis of freshness, elegance and complexity, ideal to accompany fish, seafood, Asian cooking and goat's cheeses. Nahe Rieslings in particular are among the most appreciated in Germany for their minerality and the capacity to develop over time.