Ahr is one of the smallest wine-growing regions in Germany, named after a tributary of the Rhine river located in between Bone and Koblenz in the southwestern part of the country. Ahr is mostly known for its Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) which can be brick-red in colour with aromas of red cherries, sweet spices, forest floor, possibly with a hint of smoky bacon fat if barrel-aged. The history of the Ahr Valley goes back to Roman times when they were the first to plant vines. The climate of the region is cool located in the far north (50°N) in Germany, but the steep terraced areas, soils, rocks and vineyard walls made of slate are accumulating the sun's heat, releasing it back to the vines at night and thus create a mild, Mediterranean microclimate with almost high temperatures. Ahr has only one designated wine-growing area called Walporzheim-Ahrtal divided into 14 districts which have their own specific vineyards (Lagen). As mentioned the Pinot Noir is the dominant grape, and the other notable grape varieties of the Ahr region are Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and the mutation of the Pinot Noir the Frühburgunder, which as the name shows is ripening 2-3 weeks earlier than its original grape. Ahr is a highly underrated and overshadowed region which hopefully will emerge and be noticed on the international level.