Weingut Rings Das Kreuz Rotweincuvée 2022

Weingut Rings Das Kreuz Rotweincuvée 2022 is a powerful, Bordeaux-inspired red from one of the warmest prime sites in Freinsheim, the famed “Schwarzes Kreuz” in Germany’s Pfalz region. Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and the local St. Laurent, it combines Old World structure with the ripe, dark-fruited generosity that this sun-drenched terroir delivers. Long regarded as the flagship of the Rings brothers’ range, Das Kreuz has built a reputation for offering grand-cru seriousness at a remarkably accessible price point.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Das Kreuz shows a deep, opaque ruby to garnet core with a vibrant rim, hinting at both concentration and youthful energy. The nose is intense and layered: expect dark berry fruits such as cassis and black cherry, joined by notes of smoked charcuterie, bitter chocolate, sweet pipe tobacco and a subtle graphite-mineral edge. Hints of cedar, toasted spice and a touch of vanilla speak to its time in barrique. On the palate, this cuvée is full-bodied and structured yet polished, with a clear Bordelais fingerprint. Ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum are supported by finely grained, present but supple tannins. Savoury undertones of smoked ham, cocoa nibs, tobacco leaf and a cooling mineral line give depth and complexity, while well-judged acidity keeps everything fresh and food-friendly. The oak is perfectly integrated rather than dominant, wrapping the fruit in gentle spice. With its concentration and structure, the 2022 has very good aging potential; it will drink well in its youth after a short decant but should gain even more nuance and harmony over 8–12 years in the cellar.

Production
The fruit for Das Kreuz 2022 comes from the “Schwarzes Kreuz” parcel in Freinsheim, one of the hottest and most sought-after sites in the northern Pfalz. Here, warm, sun-exposed vineyards with well-draining, often gravelly and loamy soils provide ideal conditions for late-ripening Bordeaux varieties, while cool night temperatures help preserve aromatics and acidity. The grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and St. Laurent – are typically harvested by hand at optimal physiological ripeness, allowing for strict selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated berries. In the cellar, each variety is usually vinified separately with temperature-controlled fermentation to extract colour, aroma and fine tannin without harshness, followed by élevage in barriques (a portion new) to add structure, texture and subtle spice. The final blend is carefully composed to balance power, elegance and the distinctive mineral signature of its Pfalz terroir.

Food & Serving
Das Kreuz 2022 is a natural partner for robust, flavourful dishes. It shines alongside grilled or roasted red meats such as ribeye steak, lamb chops or venison, as well as braised beef cheeks, short ribs or game stews. The wine’s smoky and chocolatey notes also pair beautifully with dishes featuring bacon, smoked ham, roasted root vegetables or earthy mushrooms, and with aged hard cheeses like Comté, Manchego or mature Gouda. Serve at around 16–18 °C; if the bottle is at room temperature, a brief chill will help sharpen the structure and aromatics. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth is recommended to allow the tannins to soften and the aromatic layers to fully unfold.

Producer
Weingut Rings is a dynamic, family-run estate in Freinsheim in the Pfalz, led by brothers Steffen and Andreas Rings. Over the past two decades, they have transformed the winery from a regional insider’s tip into one of the most respected names in the area, with a strong focus on precision, terroir expression and sustainable vineyard work. Their reds, in particular, have attracted attention for bringing a serious, Bordelais-inspired style to Pfalz soils without losing their distinctly German sense of freshness. Das Kreuz has become the flagship of the estate’s red portfolio, widely regarded as a benchmark cuvée that challenges far more expensive Bordeaux in terms of quality-to-price ratio and has contributed significantly to the estate’s reputation in Germany and beyond.

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