"The Cross" QbA

The "Das Kreuz" QbA is the iconic wine of Weingut Rings – the flagship of brothers Steffen and Andreas Rings from Freinsheim in the Palatinate, proving that Germany can produce Bordeaux blends of the highest caliber. The name refers to the warmest and sunniest parcel within the Freinsheim vineyards: a vineyard on clay and sandy soils, which forms the basis for this Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and St. Laurent.

The grapes are hand-picked, yields are reduced and spontaneously fermented – the wine then matures for 22 months in new and used barriques, is certified organic, unfiltered and bottled with minimal sulfites.

In the glass, a sensational, inky purple-violet. The nose opens complexly and densely: cassis, blackberry, cherry, and sloe, underpinned by coffee, cedar, dark chocolate, rosemary, and licorice. On the palate, convincing and full-bodied, with a juicy texture, velvety tannins, and an almost endless, spicy finish.

With 12.0–14.0% ABV, decant for at least one hour and serve at 16–18 °C. Aging potential until 2034. A great wine to pair with aged beef, wild duck, game birds, and strong cheeses – masculine, profound, and a true Palatinate legend.