Designation for vineyards with a certain slope or inclination, which usually produce better quality wines due to several reasons. The great advantage of slopes, especially in viticulture, was recognised early on. In ancient Rome there was the saying "Bacchus amat colles"(Bacchus loves the hills). In general, vineyards with a slope of 5 to 20% (~12°) are considered hillside and above that a steep slope or Steillage. In Germany, around 60% of vineyards are on slopes or steep slopes. Among the steepest vineyards in the world are Dézaley (Vaud-Switzerland), as well as in the Mosel (Germany) and Wachau (Austria) growing regions with up to 100% slope (45°). This results in much more intense sunlight, most intense on a steep slope facing due south. Of course, soil type and climate also play an important role. In such vineyards, monorack railways (single-rail rack railways) are often used.
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