The wines of the Rheingau have been administered by the Church and nobility for centuries, and the area still contains a number of large estates, mostly composite holdings in a number of villages. The famous ecclesiastical estates of Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg are here, as well as the world famous Geisenheim viticultural research institute.
Soils here are extremely varied, with those containing blue slate highly valued for Riesling, the most common varietal (82% in 1990). The classic Rheingau style is rich and honeyed but crisp, with a hint of earthiness and a long finish. The climate is slightly less severe than Rheinhessen to the south, and is a natural magnet for abundant botrytis, allowing vintners to create the great late harvest Rieslings, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and Eiswein. These very long-lived wines may last twenty years or more. There are also increasing plantings of Sp�tburgunder (Pinot Noir), and the area's attempts at dry, deeper colored reds in the modern style are much in demand. The high quality collective Charta, whose members grow only Riesling, requires rigorous wine tests surpassing government standards, and promotes dry wines exclusively.
Part-time growers own 25% of Rheingau vineyards, and many produce and sell wines themselves; the Rheingau's nine cooperative cellars are responsible for only about 15% of the harvest.
