Location and Topography
Linz am Rhein lies on the right bank of the Lower Middle Rhine in the Rhine gorge, within the Rhenish Slate Mountains, between the Westerwald and the Eifel. The historic town centre is at about 56 to 97 metres above sea level.
Viticulture on the Middle Rhine
Linz am Rhein belongs to the wine-growing region Mittelrhein, which is characterised by favourable climatic conditions for viticulture. The Middle Rhine is classified as a protected designation of origin for German wine. Riesling is the most important grape variety in the region; in addition, Spätburgunder, Weißburgunder and Müller-Thurgau are among the significant varieties.
Vineyard Site Rheinhöller
The officially registered single vineyard site Rheinhöller is located in the city and district of Linz am Rhein. It is listed as wine site number 320111 in the area of Loreley and within the Großlage of Burg Hammerstein. The steep slope facing the south-west side of the Rhine lies at a height of about 60 to 100 metres. The soil consists of weathered clay slate from the Lower and Middle Sieger layers; locally, tertiary volcanic rock is found.
In Rheinhöller, Riesling and Weißburgunder are grown. The wines from this site are described as acidity-led and vibrant.
Historical Significance of Wine Trade
In the Middle Ages, wine was one of Linz am Rhein’s most important trading goods, alongside tucks, iron goods and clay. After the end of the Electorate of Cologne and the Holy Roman Empire in 1803, wine-growing declined. The resulting economic downturn was later offset by the basalt industry and tourism.
