Publication of the communication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a geographical indication in accordance with Article 5(4) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27
Date: 2026-03-18
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine








C_202601820EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2026/1820


18.3.2026






Publication of the communication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a geographical indication in accordance with Article 5(4) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27 (1)

(C/2026/1820)

COMMUNICATION OF APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

(Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143)



                     ‘Rheinhessen’
                  


EU reference number: PDO-DE-A1274-AM03 – 18.12.2025
                  

1.   Name of product


               ‘Rheinhessen’
            
2.   Geographical indication type







☑


PDO










☐


PGI










☐


GI




3.   Sector







☐


Agricultural products










☑


Wines










☐


Spirit drinks




4.   Country to which the geographical area belongs

Germany
5.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment


Name

Bundesministerium für Landwirtschaft, Ernährung und Heimat (BMLEH) [Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity]

Name

Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung [Federal Office for Agriculture and Food]
6.   Qualification as standard amendment

The German authorities consider the application to meet the requirements of Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 and (EU) 2024/1143.
The amendments to the product specification are standard amendments according to the definition laid down in Article 24(4) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
The application for an amendment to the ‘Rheinhessen’ PDO does not involve any of the three situations constituting a Union amendment; specifically, it does not:






(a)


include a change in the name or in the use of the name, or in the category of product or products designated by the geographical indication;










(b)


risk voiding the link to the geographical area;










(c)


entail further restrictions on the marketing of the product.




The German authorities therefore consider that the application is for a standard amendment.
7.   Description of the approved standard amendment(s)


Title

Description of the wine or wines

Description

The descriptions of the organoleptic characteristics have been clarified and amended.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.





Title

Demarcation of the area

Description


                  ‘The area of the protected designation of origin is delimited to the north and east between Bingen and Worms by the sweep of the Rhine and to the north-west by the River Nahe. The western border runs from north to south – along the municipalities of Bingen am Rhein, Grolsheim, Gensingen, Biebelsheim, Hackenheim, Volxheim, Frei-Laubersheim, Fürfeld, Tiefenthal, Stein-Bockenheim, Nieder-Wiesen, Bechenheim, Offenheim, Mauchenheim, Freimersheim, Flomborn, Ober-Flörsheim, Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Mölsheim, Wachenheim, Hohen-Sülzen and Offstein – to Worms in the south.’
               
The individual municipalities, including the cadastral units, have been listed.
The precise demarcation can be seen on maps showing the vineyards in the municipalities referred to above, demarcated by parcel. The maps can be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein.

Qualitätswein [quality wine], Prädikatswein [wine with a special attribute], Sekt b.A. [quality sparkling wine from a defined region] or Qualitätsperlwein b.A. [quality semi-sparkling wine from a defined region] bearing the protected name ‘Rheinhessen’ may be produced in an area other than the specified growing area in which the grapes were harvested and which is indicated on the labelling, provided that the production area is situated in the same federal state or in a neighbouring federal state.






☑


The amendment affects the single document.




SINGLE DOCUMENT

Designations of origin and geographical indications of wine



                     ‘Rheinhessen’
                  


EU reference number: PDO-DE-A1274-AM03 – 18.12.2025
                  

1.   Name(s)


               ‘Rheinhessen’
            
2.   Geographical indication type







☑


PDO










☐


PGI










☐


GI




3.   Country to which the defined geographical area belongs

Germany
4.   Classification of the agricultural product in accordance with the Combined Nomenclature heading and code, as referred to in Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143


               2204  – Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading 2009
5.   Categories of grapevine product as listed in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013







1.


Wine










5.


Quality sparkling wine










8.


Semi-sparkling wine




6.   Description of the wine or wines


Grapevine product


Qualitätswein [quality wine], white

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

These wines are usually pale to straw yellow in colour, often with green tints.

Aroma

The gentle winemaking process means the wines have primary aromas of yellow and tropical fruit, occasionally also with floral nutmeg notes, and finely balanced sweetness and acidity. They leave a clear and fresh impression on the senses.

Taste

Weißer Riesling wines reflect the differences between the various terroirs of Rheinhessen particularly well. They are generally characterised by a crisp acidity and combine minerality with elegant fruit.
In particular, wines aged in oak barrels or casks are often marked by malolactic fermentation and present fine toasted aromas.
Wines made from blends of grape varieties are often semi-sweet due to residual sugar.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

Most of the wines are single-variety wines, which reflect the characteristics of the different grape varieties from which they are made.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
Morio Muskat and Weißer Riesling: 7,5 % vol. and 60 °Oechsle
All other white varieties: 7,8 % vol. and 62 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Qualitätswein [quality wine], red

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The wines are red to deep red in colour, often with bluish, violet tints.

Aroma

As well as concentrated aromas of red fruit, full-bodied wines may also present spicy and smoky aromas.

Taste

The wines are characterised by aromas of red fruit and berries. Medium-bodied wines have a soft acidity and a discreet tannic structure, with a high degree of fruitiness.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

These wines are produced as single-variety and blended wines.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
Blauer Portugieser: 7,5 % vol. and 60 °Oechsle
Dornfelder: 8,8 % vol. and 68 °Oechsle
All other red varieties: 7,8 % vol. and 62 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Qualitätswein [quality wine], rosé, Weißherbst, Blanc de Noir


Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

These wines are pale to bright red in colour or, in the case of Blanc de Noir wines, the colour of white wine.

Aroma

The wines are usually medium-bodied with subtle aromas of red fruit and berries.

Taste

The wines are usually medium-bodied with subtle aromas of red fruit and berries and a fresh, lively acidity.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The wines are pressed exclusively from red grapes.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
Blauer Portugieser: 7,5 % vol. and 60 °Oechsle
Dornfelder: 8,8 % vol. and 68 °Oechsle
All other red varieties: 7,8 % vol. and 62 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Qualitätswein [quality wine], Rotling

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

These wines are pale to bright red in colour, as they are made by blending white and red grapes or must.

Aroma

The wines combine aromas of yellow and red fruit.

Taste

The wines are usually medium-bodied and combine aromas of yellow and red fruit in the mouth.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

The wines are made by blending white and red grapes or must.

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
Morio Muskat, Blauer Portugieser and Weißer Riesling: 7,5 % vol. and 60° Oechsle
Dornfelder: 8,8 % vol. and 68° Oechsle
All other varieties: 7,8 % vol. and 62 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Prädikatswein Kabinett [wine with the special attribute Kabinett]

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

White Kabinett wines generally have a pale yellow colour with green tints ranging to a more intense yellow, while red Kabinett wines are often light cherry red to deep elderberry in colour.

Aroma

Usually fruity and fresh, these wines tend to clearly express the characteristics of the grape varieties from which they are made.

Taste

These are fine and lively wines that generally have a moderate alcoholic strength, fresh acidity and pronounced vinosity.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

-

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
Müller Thurgau, Weißer Riesling and Grüner Silvaner: 9,5 % vol. and 73 °Oechsle
All other varieties: 10,0 % vol. and 76 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Prädikatswein Spätlese [wine with the special attribute Spätlese]

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The white Spätlese wines are usually straw yellow in colour, sometimes tending towards gold. The red Spätlese wines tend to vary from light cherry red to deep elderberry in colour.

Aroma

The use of fully ripened grapes produces wines that are harmoniously rich.

Taste

The wines have an intense, bold character incorporating yellow fruit, often underpinned by a marked fruity sweetness.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

-

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
Weißer Riesling and Grüner Silvaner: 11,4 % vol. and 85 °Oechsle
All other varieties: 12,2 % vol. and 90 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Prädikatswein Auslese [wine with the special attribute Auslese]

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The white types are usually a golden-yellow colour, owing to the use of grapes that are fully ripe to overripe but ideally still healthy. The red Auslese wines tend to vary from light cherry red to deep elderberry in colour.

Aroma

The wines have a bold yellow- and tropical-fruit flavour and may even present aromas of dried fruit, which grow stronger with ageing.

Taste

Particularly in the case of Riesling wines, the generally high residual sugar content is accompanied by a clearly perceptible acidity.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

-

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
Weißer Riesling: 12,5 % vol. and 92 °Oechsle
Grüner Silvaner: 13,0 % vol. and 95 °Oechsle
All other varieties: 13,8 % vol. and 100 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product

Wine with special attributes (Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese)

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

These wines are made from overripe, dried or botrytised grapes and generally have an intense golden colour, which may turn amber with ageing.

Aroma

Concentrated aromas of raisins, dried fruit and honey are common, as well as spicy notes. Trockenbeerenauslese wines differ from Beerenauslese wines in that they are more highly concentrated and their aromas are more strongly influenced by noble rot.

Taste

The flavour is usually characterised by a robust sweetness and a low to moderate alcoholic strength.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

-

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:

Beerenauslese – all varieties: 16,9 % vol. and 120 °Oechsle

Trockenbeerenauslese – all varieties: 21,5 % vol. and 150 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Prädikatswein Eiswein [wine with the special attribute Eiswein]

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

The wines are usually straw yellow in colour, with a high degree of fruity sweetness and concentrated acidity.

Aroma

The wines usually have a high degree of fruity sweetness and concentrated acidity.

Taste

The taste is the result of the use made of largely healthy, ripe grapes which are frozen at the time of harvesting and pressing on account of the weather conditions. As the grapes’ ingredients are highly concentrated, this gives the wines a very high natural alcoholic strength without the influence of noble rot.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

-

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
All varieties: 16,9 % vol. and 120 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Qualitätsschaumwein [quality sparkling wine]

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

Quality sparkling wines have a delicately sparkling appearance.

Aroma

Quality sparkling wines are usually made from single-variety wines and their aroma is therefore characterised by the variety used.
Sparkling wines designated as ‘Cremant’ often have a soft, creamy structure with an elegant body and very fine bubbles.

Taste

Quality sparkling wines are usually made from single-variety wines and their flavour is therefore characterised by the variety used.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

-

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
All varieties: 7,0 % vol. and 57 °Oechsle
The must weight in the ferment ation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.





Grapevine product


Perlwein [semi-sparkling wine]

Organoleptic characteristics


Visual appearance

In terms of colour, semi-sparkling wines often range from pale yellow with greenish tints to lime-blossom yellow, in the case of white varieties, and pink and red, in the case of red varieties.

Aroma

Semi-sparkling wines are lively, fruity and fresh.

Taste

Semi-sparkling wines are usually made from aromatic varieties, which characterise their flavour.

Additional information regarding organoleptic characteristics

-

Analytical characteristics







Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume):


-




Minimum total acidity:


-




Minimum total acidity unit:


-




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre):


-




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):


-





Additional information regarding analytical characteristics

The total alcoholic strength of Rheinhessen PDO wine produced without any enrichment may exceed 15 % by volume.
Minimum natural alcoholic strength and minimum must content:
All varieties: 7,0 % vol. and 57 °Oechsle
The must weight in the fermentation container must be recorded.






☑


Any analytical characteristics not indicated in this section are within the limits laid down in the applicable EU legislation.




7.   Winemaking practices

7.1.   Specific oenological practices used to make the wine or wines, relevant restrictions on making them

-
Not applicable
7.2.   Maximum yields


All wines / category / variety / type

All products

Maximum yield







Maximum yield:


105




Maximum yield unit:


Hectolitres per hectare




8.   Indication of the wine grape variety or varieties from which the wine or wines are produced







—


Accent










—


Acolon










—


Adelfränkisch – Grüner Adelfränkisch, Grünedel, Verdet Blanc










—


Agostenga – Früher Leipziger










—


Albalonga










—


Alegrillo Negro










—


Allegro










—


Alvarinho – Albarino, Albariño










—


Arnsburger










—


Auxerrois – Auxerrois Blanc, Auxerrois blanc, Pinot Auxerrois










—


Bacchus










—


Barbera – Sciaa










—


Baron










—


Bettlertraube










—


Blauburger










—


Blauer Frühburgunder – Frühburgunder, Madeleine Noir, Pinot Madeleine, Pinot Noir Précoce










—


Blauer Gänsfüßer – Gänsfüßer










—


Blauer Hängling










—


Blauer Limberger – Blaufränkisch, Lemberger, Limberger










—


Blauer Muskateller – Muscat à petits grains noirs










—


Blauer Portugieser – Portugieser










—


Blauer Silvaner










—


Blauer Spätburgunder – Clevner, Pinot Noir, Pinot noir, Pinot Nero, Pinot nero, Samtrot, Spätburgunder










—


Blauer Trollinger – Trollinger, Vernatsch, Schiava Grossa










—


Blauer Zweigelt – Rotburger, Zweigelt, Zweigeltrebe










—


Blütenmuskateller










—


Bolero










—


Bronner










—


Cabaret Noir










—


Cabernet Blanc










—


Cabernet Cantor










—


Cabernet Carbon










—


Cabernet Carol










—


Cabernet Cortis










—


Cabernet Cubin










—


Cabernet Dorio










—


Cabernet Dorsa










—


Cabernet Franc










—


Cabernet Jura










—


Cabernet Mitos










—


Cabernet Sauvignon










—


Cabertin










—


Calabrese – Nero d’Avola










—


Calandro










—


Calardis Blanc










—


Carménère – Carmenère










—


Chardonnay










—


Chatus










—


Chenin Blanc










—


Cumdeo Blanc










—


Cumdeo Rouge










—


Dakapo










—


Dalkauer










—


Deckrot










—


Divico










—


Domina










—


Donauriesling










—


Donauveltliner










—


Dornfelder










—


Dunkelfelder










—


Ehrenbreitsteiner










—


Ehrenfelser










—


Faberrebe – Faber










—


Felicia










—


Findling










—


Freisamer










—


Früher Malingre – Malinger










—


Früher Roter Malvasier – Früher Malvasier, Malvasier, Malvoisie










—


Furmint










—


Färbertraube










—


Gamay Noir










—


Gelber Kleinberger










—


Gelber Muskateller – Moscato, Muscat, Muskat, Muscat blanc, Muscat Blanc, Muskateller










—


Gelber Orleans – Orleans










—


Glera










—


Gm 324-58










—


Gm 6423-12










—


Gm 6427-5










—


Gm 674-1










—


Gm 7217-5










—


Gm 789-10










—


Gm 7926-1










—


Gm 7941-11










—


Goldmuskateller










—


Goldriesling










—


Grenache Noir – Grenache










—


Grüner Silvaner – Silvaner, Sylvaner










—


Grüner Veltliner – Veltliner










—


Grünfränkisch – Bormeo Verd










—


Hartblau










—


Hegel










—


Helfensteiner










—


Helios










—


Heroldrebe










—


Hibernal










—


Huxelrebe – Huxel










—


Hölder










—


Jakob Gerhardt Blanc










—


Johanniter










—


Juwel










—


Kanzler










—


Kerner










—


Kernling










—


Kleiner Fränkischer Burgunder – Franc Pineau, Schwarzblauer Klevner










—


Lagrein – Blauer Lagrein, Lagrain










—


Laurot










—


Levitage










—


Malbec – Cot










—


Manzoni Bianco










—


Mariensteiner










—


Marsanne Blanche – Marsanne










—


Merlot










—


Merzling










—


Monarch










—


Morio Muskat – Morio-Muskat










—


Muscabona










—


Muscaris










—


Muskat Ottonel – Muskat-Ottonel










—


Muskat Trollinger – Muskat-Trollinger










—


Müller Thurgau – Rivaner, Müller-Thurgau










—


Müllerrebe – Pinot Meunier, Pinot meunier, Schwarzriesling










—


Nebbiolo – Prunent










—


Neronet










—


Nobling










—


Optima 113 – Optima










—


Orangentraube










—


Orion










—


Ortega










—


Osteiner










—


Palas










—


Perle










—


Petit Manseng










—


Petit Verdot










—


Petite Syrah










—


Phoenix – Phönix










—


Pinot Nova – Pinot nova










—


Pinotage










—


Pinotin










—


Piroso










—


Pollux










—


Primitivo – Zinfandel










—


Prinzipal










—


Prior










—


Reberger










—


Regent










—


Regner










—


Reichensteiner










—


Rheinfelder










—


Rieslaner










—


Rinot










—


Rondo










—


Rosa Chardonnay










—


Rosenmuskateller










—


Rotberger










—


Roter Elbling – Elbling Rouge, Elbling rouge










—


Roter Gutedel – Chasselas Rouge, Chasselas rouge, Fendant Roux










—


Roter Muskateller










—


Roter Müller Thurgau – Roter Müller-Thurgau










—


Roter Riesling










—


Roter Traminer – Gewürztraminer, Traminer










—


Roter Veltliner










—


Rubinet










—


Ruländer – Grauburgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Pinot Grigio, Pinot grigio, Pinot Gris, Pinot gris










—


Sangiovese – Nerino










—


Saphira










—


Satin Noir










—


Sauvignac










—


Sauvignon Blanc – Fumé Blanc, Muskat Silvaner










—


Sauvignon Cita










—


Sauvignon Gris










—


Sauvignon Gryn










—


Sauvignon Sary










—


Sauvitage










—


Savagnin Blanc – Weißer Traminer










—


Scheurebe










—


Schwarzblauer Riesling










—


Schwarzer Heunisch










—


Schwarzer Urban










—


Schönburger










—


Septimer










—


Siegerrebe – Sieger










—


Silcher










—


Sirius










—


Solaris










—


Souvignier Gris










—


St Laurent – Sankt Laurent, Saint Laurent










—


Staufer










—


Syrah – Shiraz










—


Sémillon – Semillon blanc










—


Süßschwarz










—


Tannat










—


Tauberschwarz










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Tempranillo










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Trebbiano di Soave – Verdicchio Bianco










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VB 32-7










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VB 91-26-5










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Villaris










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Viognier – Viogne










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We 70-281-37










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We S 503










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Weißer Burgunder – Pinot Bianco, Pinot bianco, Pinot Blanc, Pinot blanc, Weißburgunder










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Weißer Elbling – Elbling, Kleinberger










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Weißer Gutedel – Chasselas, Chasselas Blanc, Chasselas blanc, Fendant, Fendant Blanc, Gutedel










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Weißer Riesling – Klingelberger, Riesling, Rheinriesling, Riesling Renano, Riesling renano










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Weißer Räuschling – Räuschling










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Wildmuskat










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Würzer




9.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The area of the protected designation of origin is delimited to the north and east between Bingen and Worms by the sweep of the Rhine and to the north-west by the River Nahe. The western border runs from north to south – along the municipalities of Bingen am Rhein, Grolsheim, Gensingen, Biebelsheim, Hackenheim, Volxheim, Frei-Laubersheim, Fürfeld, Tiefenthal, Stein-Bockenheim, Nieder-Wiesen, Bechenheim, Offenheim, Mauchenheim, Freimersheim, Flomborn, Ober-Flörsheim, Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Mölsheim, Wachenheim, Hohen-Sülzen and Offstein – to Worms in the south.
The PDO area comprises vineyards in the following municipalities: Albig, Alsheim, Alzey (Alzey, Dautenheim, Heimersheim, Weinheim), Appenheim, Armsheim (Armsheim, Schimsheim), Aspisheim, Badenheim, Bechenheim, Bechtheim, Bechtolsheim, Bermersheim (rural district of Alzey-Worms), Bermersheim vor der Höhe, Biebelnheim, Biebelsheim, Bingen am Rhein (Bingen, Büdesheim, Dietersheim, Dromersheim, Gaulsheim, Kempten, Sponsheim), Bodenheim, Bornheim (rural district of Alzey-Worms), Bubenheim (rural district of Mainz-Bingen), Budenheim, Dalheim, Dexheim, Dienheim, Dintesheim, Dittelsheim-Heßloch (Dittelsheim, Heßloch), Dolgesheim, Dorn-Dürkheim, Eckelsheim, Eich, Eimsheim, Engelstadt, Ensheim, Eppelsheim, Erbes-Büdesheim, Esselborn, Essenheim, Flonheim (Flonheim, Uffhofen), Flörsheim-Dalsheim (Dalsheim, Nieder-Flörsheim), Flomborn, Framersheim, Frei-Laubersheim, Freimersheim (rural district of Alzey-Worms), Frettenheim, Friesenheim, Fürfeld, Gabsheim, Gau-Algesheim, Gau-Bickelheim, Gau-Bischofsheim, Gau-Heppenheim, Gau-Odernheim (Gau-Köngernheim, Gau-Odernheim), Gau-Weinheim, Gensingen, Gimbsheim, Grolsheim, Gumbsheim, Gundersheim, Gundheim, Guntersblum, Hackenheim, Hahnheim, Hangen-Weisheim, Harxheim (rural district of Mainz-Bingen), Hillesheim (rural district of Mainz-Bingen), Hochborn, Hohen-Sülzen, Horrweiler, Ingelheim am Rhein (Großwinternheim, Heidesheim, Nieder-Ingelheim, Ober-Ingelheim, Wackernheim), Jugenheim in Rheinhessen, Kettenheim, Klein-Winternheim, Köngernheim, Lonsheim, Lörzweiler, Ludwigshöhe, Mainz (Bretzenheim, Drais, Ebersheim, Finthen, Hechtsheim, Laubenheim, Weisenau), Mauchenheim, Mettenheim, Mölsheim, Mommenheim, Monsheim (Kriegsheim, Monsheim), Monzernheim, Mörstadt, Nack, Nackenheim, Neu-Bamberg, Nieder-Hilbersheim, Nieder-Olm, Nieder-Wiesen, Nierstein (Nierstein, Schwabsburg), Ober-Flörsheim, Ober-Hilbersheim, Ober-Olm, Ockenheim, Offenheim, Offstein, Oppenheim, Osthofen, Partenheim, Pfaffen-Schwabenheim, Pleitersheim, Sankt Johann (rural district of Mainz-Bingen), Saulheim (Nieder-Saulheim, Ober-Saulheim), Schornsheim, Schwabenheim an der Selz, Selzen, Siefersheim, Sörgenloch, Spiesheim, Sprendlingen, Stadecken-Elsheim (Elsheim, Stadecken), Stein-Bockenheim, Sulzheim, Tiefenthal (rural district of Bad Kreuznach), Udenheim, Uelversheim, Undenheim, Vendersheim, Volxheim, Wachenheim (rural district of Alzey-Worms), Wahlheim, Wallertheim (Wallertheim, Wißberg), Weinolsheim, Welgesheim, Wendelsheim, Westhofen, Wintersheim, Wolfsheim, Wöllstein, Wonsheim, Worms (Abenheim, Heppenheim, Herrnsheim, Hochheim, Horchheim, Leiselheim, Neuhausen, Pfeddersheim, Pfiffligheim, Rheindürckheim, Weinsheim, Wiesoppenheim, Worms), Wörrstadt (Rommersheim, Wörrstadt), Zornheim and Zotzenheim.
The precise demarcation can be seen on maps showing the vineyards in the municipalities referred to above, demarcated by parcel. The maps can be viewed at www.ble.de/eu-qualitaetskennzeichen-wein.

Qualitätswein [quality wine], Prädikatswein [wine with a special attribute], Sekt b.A. [quality sparkling wine from a defined region] or Qualitätsperlwein b.A. [quality semi-sparkling wine from a defined region] bearing the protected name ‘Rheinhessen’ may be produced in an area other than the specified growing area in which the grapes were harvested and which is indicated on the labelling, provided that the production area is situated in the same federal state or in a neighbouring federal state.
10.   Link with the geographical area


Category of grapevine product







1.


Wine





Summary of the link


All categories

The Rheinhessen winegrowing area coincides almost exactly with the area comprising the Rheinhessisches Tafel- und Hügelland [Rhenish-Hessian plateau and uplands] and the Mainz Basin. Its landscape is characterised by plateaus of resistant limestone cut through by broad depressions with gentle hills and lowlands. The highest plateau areas are between 250 and 300 metres above sea level, while the lowlands are 100 to 150 metres above sea level. Winegrowing is concentrated on the hillsides, although the average gradient is only about 7 %. Steep-slope winegrowing is found in particular in the area around Nierstein and in Bingen. On average, the vines grow at an altitude of 175 metres above sea level. Most of the vineyards face south-east to south-west.
The Rheinhessen winegrowing area consists mainly of Tertiary and Quaternary sediments lying on a base of Rotliegend rocks. The Rotliegend rocks appear on the surface of the earth only in the extreme south-west of the area and near Nierstein (the Niersteiner Horst). Most of the area rests on Tertiary rocks that are predominantly overlaid with Quaternary sediments (loess derivatives, river terraces, watercourse sediments, slope sediments). The plateau areas in Rheinhessen consist of Tertiary limestone, while the slope, hill and lowland areas consist of softer Tertiary marls. The limestone of the plateau areas is usually overlaid with loess, the limes and marls of the slopes are often concealed by loess or slope sediments, and the marls of the lowland areas are covered by watercourse, terrace or redistributed sediments. Devonian quartzites and slate are found in the north-western part of the Rheinhessen winegrowing area near Bingen. As regards soil formation, loess and loess derivatives constitute the main parent substrate. The climate of the Rheinhessen winegrowing area is as follows: The average annual temperature is about 9,9 °C. The average temperature during the growing season is 14,6 °C. The areas with the lower average annual temperatures are located in the south-west of the growing area, on the border with the Saar-Nahe Basin. The medium temperatures occur on the Rheinhessisches Tafel- und Hügelland, while the highest average annual temperatures are reached towards the Upper Rhine Plain. The area receives an average of (approx.) 550 mm of precipitation per year, 65 % (355 mm) of which generally falls during the growing season. On average, the vines in Rheinhessen receive approximately 650 000 Wh/m2 of direct sunshine during the growing season.
The winegrowers farm large, connected parcels, which means that mechanisation works well and the areas can be cultivated in a cost-effective way. They set great store by the range of vine varieties and the potential for growing them, as made possible by the various soil profiles. This results in a broad palette of flavours for the consumer. The wine sector has gained particular momentum in the past 20 years. The increasing number of top young producers is proof of this. The human factor is based on a centuries-old winegrowing tradition.
11.   Further applicable requirements


Title of the requirement/derogation

Wine, quality sparkling wine, semi-sparkling wine – Indication of traditional terms and smaller geographical units

Legal framework

National legislation

Type of further requirement/derogation

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the requirement/derogation

The wines must pass an official inspection in order to be labelled with the traditional terms Qualitätswein [quality wine], Prädikatswein [wine with a special attribute], Qualitätsperlwein b.A. [quality semi-sparkling wine from a defined region] and Sekt b.A. [quality sparkling wine from a defined region]. The inspection number issued in this context (amtliche Prüfungsnummer) must be indicated on the label. It replaces the batch number. In addition to the existing protected wine name, wine and wine products must be labelled with one of the following traditional terms: Qualitätswein [quality wine], whether or not supplemented by b.A. [from a defined region]; Prädikatswein, supplemented by Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese or Eiswein; Qualitätsperlwein b.A. [quality semi-sparkling wine from a defined region]; or Sekt b.A. / Winzersekt [quality sparkling wine from a defined region]. The traditional terms Classic, Liebfrau(en)milch, Riesling Hochgewächs or Weißherbst are optional.
Statutory elements of a designation may be used in accordance with the applicable law.
Moreover, the vineyard register provides the list of the names of areas, large-scale and individual vineyards and open-field systems that may be used as smaller geographical units.
The register indicates the boundaries of the sites and areas in terms of cadastral references (cadastral unit, cadastral subunit, open-field system, parcel). It is managed by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture.
The vineyard register is established and maintained on the basis of:






—


Section 23(3) and (4) of the Federal Wine Act (Weingesetz);










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Section 29 of the Federal Wine Regulation (Weinverordnung);










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Rhineland-Palatinate Act on the designation of sites and areas and the vineyard register (Vineyards Act) (Landesgesetz über die Festsetzung von Lagen und Bereichen und über die Weinbergsrolle (Weinlagengesetz));










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Section 2, point (16), of the Rhineland-Palatinate Regulation on responsibilities in the area of wine legislation (Landesverordnung über Zuständigkeiten auf dem Gebiet des Weinrechts).




The boundaries of smaller geographical units may be changed only with the agreement of the competent organisation under Section 22g of the Federal Wine Act, which must, also under that section, notify any changes to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE).

Electronic reference (URL) to the publication of the product specification


https://www.ble.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Ernaehrung-Lebensmittel/EU-Qualitaetskennzeichen/Antraege/Rheinhessen-gU/Produktspezifikation.pdf?__blob=publicationFile



(1)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27 of 30 October 2024 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council with rules concerning the registration and the protection of geographical indications, traditional specialities guaranteed and optional quality terms and repealing Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (OJ L, 2025/27, 15.1.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2025/27/oj).


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/1820/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)