AGRICULTURE OX THE RIIINf;. 187 



With the exception of a few narrow paths, wall succeeds 

 wall, and terrace overhangs terrace, to an elevation of 

 500 feet above the level of the river. The hill is an ini- 

 mcnso mass of clay-slate, which is the predominant forma- 

 tion of the Taunus, and the steepness here alike supplies 

 the place of deep soil and allows every aspect to be used. 

 In approaching this round projection we pass Assmans- 

 hausen, which stands also shrouded in vineyards, with a 

 south-westerly exposure. Here red wine is chiefly made, 

 but choice white wine has lately been produced there. An 

 angle in the hill intervenes, but the same aspect soon recurs, 

 and the Riitlesheim vineyards commence. The full round 

 of the hill gives breadth to the south-western, southern, 

 and south-eastern sites, on each of which a wine of first- 

 rate quality is produced. The whole front contains 400 

 morgens (250 acres). The description of grape chiefly 

 planted on the "Berg" is called the Orleans grape, 

 bearing a large oval green berry that in warm years is a 

 luscious fruit, but in damp seasons is more inclined to 

 liiil than even the riesling. The Orleans grape was for- 

 merly more prevalent in the Rhinegau than it now is, as 

 this disadvantage has banished it to the hill of Rudes- 

 heim. Adjacent to the "Berg" comes the site called 

 " Rottland," then follows the " Hinterhaus," the fa- 

 vourite growths of the riesling grape. For the initiated 

 there are two distinct Riidesheim wines, independently 

 of the flavour belonging to the actual vineyard. In the 

 Rhenish vineyards such generic terms as Hock, Port, 

 Sherry, and oSIadeira are unknown. Where pure grape- 

 juice can be had, the shades of flavour are countless, but 

 each possesses its peculiar charm. 



The appearance of the vineyards from Riidesheim on- 



