The wine-growing area is located in Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany and is named after the region. The name is derived from its historical affiliation as the province of Rheinhessen of the Grand Duchy of Hesse from 1816 to 1919. The vineyards cover 26,758 hectares, making it the largest wine-growing region in Germany in terms of area. The vineyards are located on the left bank of the Rhine between Bingen, Mainz and Worms in the shape of a huge triangle. Many artefacts provide evidence of ancient viticulture, such as a Roman water pipe in Ingelheim. Nierstein is home to the oldest vineyard in Germany, Glöck, which was first mentioned in a document in 742. Emperor Charlemagne (742-814) had a palace there and, according to legend, discovered the excellent suitability for vineyards while travelling along the Rhine. He promoted viticulture here by clearing forests in the Rhine plain and planting vineyards instead. The Riesling (Rissling) was first mentioned here in 1546 by the botanist Hieronymus Bock (1498-1554).
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