TERROIR IS THE UNITY of soil, topography, climate and the efforts of the winemaker. Many wine producers and aficionados are convinced of the unique effect of the terroir on wine quality. Although the topic is much debated, there is no concrete, scientific evidence. How do the different terroirs in the Rheingau and Hessische Bergstrasse affect the style of wine? The current discussions have moved the Rheingau viticultural association and the viticultural association Hessische Bergstrasse to initiate the project „Terroir Hessen“. These two associations have commissioned the Research Centre Geisenheim (FAG) to address this issue. Since October 2006 the Research Centre has been working in cooperation with experts from the State Agency for Environment and Geology in Hesse (HLUG), the Regional Council Darmstadt and the Bureau for Viticulture in Eltville to identify the variety of sites and their effect on the style of wine.
     When prevailing climatic conditions are comparable, the soil can have a unique effect on the ripening conditions of the grapes. In order to verify this effect, sites with very different soils were selected for producing Riesling wines.
     The aim of this project was to produce wines whose style genuinely reflects the site and to ensure that a maximum of the aromas formed in the grape are transferred to the must and wine. The natural effects of the site should not be masked or removed. This means that the winemaking procedures are reduced to those that are absolutely necessary.