The history of Schloss Johannisberg dates back to Charlemagne and is the oldest Riesling vineyard in the world. The first recorded harvest by Ludwig der Fromme (Louis the Devout) yielded approximately 6,000 litres. In 1775 Schloss Johannisberg invented Spatlese when a messenger with orders to begin harvest was several weeks late. As a result the grapes succumbed to noble rot and were still harvested and produced the dessert wine known as Spatlese. The messenger has been immortalized with a statue on the estate. The estate is located in Germany at the 50th degree latitude, which is the most northern border for growing vines. Despite the northern location, the vineyards experience a very mild climate due to the southern exposure and the humidity provided by the Rhine. Today, Schloss Johannisberg has the most comprehensive Riesling library in the World, with wines dating back as far as 1748AD.