Germany's second largest wine-growing region (23,600 hectares) has undergone a particularly gratifying qualitative development over the past twenty years; hardly anywhere else is there such a high density of owner-managed wineries of excellent reputation.
At the same time, all parts of the Pfalz have a strong identity; the Southern Pfalz from Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the border with Alsace, via Burrweiler, Birkweiler and Siebeldingen to Maikammer, is primarily known for Burgundy varieties, which naturally thrive on the limestone soils. On the slate and red sandstone, Riesling thrives above all.
The most prestigious part of the Pfalz lies in the Mittelhaardt region, around the towns of Forst and Deidesheim. Here one Grand Cru follows the next in a very small area, and a good dozen historic wineries vouch for the highest quality.
The grape variety is almost exclusively Riesling; in these soils it finds the ideal conditions to bring together refinement and fullness. Riesling also thrives north of Bad Dürkheim, in Ungstein, Laumersheim, Großkarlbach and Kallstadt. Along the limestone banks of this area, however, Pinot Noir also has great importance.
