What is Roter Hang?

• A. A slope of red clay and slate spanning 180 ha between Nierstein and Nackenheim in Rheinhessen.
• B. A river terrace feature in the Rheingau.
• C. A brand of Riesling from Rheinhessen.
• D. A vineyard in Assmannshausen.

Answer: (A)

Roter Hang is a famous hillside in Rheinhessen along the Rhine, named for its red iron-rich soils. It stretches about 180 hectares between Nierstein and Nackenheim, and the slope is oriented to capture sun, helping Riesling vines ripen with good acidity and precision. The soils are a mix of red clay and slate, which heat up quickly and drain well, contributing to wines with depth and mineral brightness. The term Hang denotes a vineyard slope, while Roter describes the red color of the soil. This combination makes Roter Hang a defining landscape feature of the region, distinct from a Rheingau river terrace, a brand, or a vineyard in Assmannshausen.