The Ahr is a narrow valley cut into slate, running east to the Rhine a little south of Bonn, and with around 550 hectares it is one of the smallest German regions. It also sits further north than the Mosel, which makes what happens here faintly improbable: this is red wine country, and has been for centuries. Nearly all of it is Spätburgunder, with Frühburgunder and Portugieser behind.

The valley works as a heat trap. Its steep slate walls absorb sun all day and radiate it back at night, the rock drains instantly, and the shelter keeps cold air out, so Pinot Noir ripens at a latitude where it has no business doing so. The wines are light in colour and firm, with the tart red fruit and earthy edge that cool climate Pinot gives. The valley was devastated by flooding in July 2021, which destroyed cellars and vintages, and the rebuilding is still going on.