Bonn and the Rheinaue wine-growing area
The Rheinaue wine-growing area lies within the Dottendorf cadastral district of the city of Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is officially listed as a wine-growing area in the Middle Rhine and in the Siebengebirge region. The designated area is 0.1 hectares, and the altitude is about 50 to 60 metres above sea level.
Landscape and site
The northern section of the Middle Rhine between Bonn and Andernach is connected to Devonian sand and silt stones, which are referred to as sandy Sieger strata. For the Middle Rhine wine-growing area, steep valley slopes are described as protection against cold winds, along with high levels of sunshine, and the Rhine as a warmer-reflecting surface.
Creation and cultivation
The Rheinaue was laid out by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate for the Federal Garden Show in 1979 in Bonn. Afterwards, the Beethoven Gymnasium took over the care. The documented planting was divided into approximately equal parts between Riesling and Spätburgunder.
First vintage
The first documented vintage was called Vinea Domini and included wines made from Riesling and Spätburgunder. For a tasting in 1984, 206 bottles of Riesling and 169 bottles of Spätburgunder are given. The grapes are harvested in the autumn each year by teachers, parents, former students and representatives of the city. The first vintage was processed at the former Marienthal state winery and bottled with a school-specific label.
