"The Little Cross" QbA dry

A dark, multi-layered cuvée from the Palatinate — complex enough for a long evening, uncomplicated enough for a quick grill fire during the week.

Weingut Rings from Freinsheim is one of the most reliable addresses in the Palatinate. The brothers Andreas and Christian Rings manage their sites with the goal of bringing the fruit of the respective vintage into the glass without corrections. Das kleine Kreuz is their most accessible red wine — a cuvée of Merlot, St. Laurent, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

Aged in new and used barriques, bottled unfiltered: In the glass, cassis and dark blackberry appear, underpinned by cold smoke, a hint of leather, and slightly herbaceous pine needles. The beef bouillon note on the finish is typical for the St. Laurent portion — striking, but integrated into a full-bodied structure.

• Food: Dry-aged rump steak, leg of lamb with rosemary, aged cheddar
• Temperature: 16–18 °C