Ahr

The Ahr is one of Germany’s smallest and most distinctive wine regions, following the Ahr River through a steep, narrow valley north of the Mosel. Its sheltered vineyards, steep south-facing slopes and relatively mild climate create favourable conditions for growing grapes in a region further north than many traditional wine areas.

The Ahr is particularly renowned for Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), which accounts for the vast majority of its production and produces wines ranging from light and elegant to structured and complex. Frühburgunder, an early-ripening Pinot Noir relative, is another regional speciality. The challenging terrain makes vineyard work highly labour-intensive, while the region’s producers increasingly combine traditional craftsmanship with sustainable viticulture and modern winemaking to express the distinctive character of its slate and volcanic soils.