Rings has an unusual story. Situated in the Pfalz's most famous winemaking area, the Mittelhardt, it was a mixed farm until 2000, producing a little wine that was sold off in bulk. That year Steffen Rings took over the estate and decided to focus entirely on wine. An ambitious growth plan was hatched, the goal being to net the best vineyards in the area.
Over twenty years later, the estate comprises almost forty hectares, including a fabulous range of grand cru sites. Along the way, Steffen was joined by his brother Andi, fresh from a stint at Wagner Stempel in Rheinhessen, and by their sister Simone. The estate is divided equally between white and red, mostly Riesling and Pinot Noir.
A new carbon-neutral cuverie built into the hillside has enabled them to work precisely with volumes. Spätburgunders (Pinot Noir) are made from mostly Burgundian clones planted in 2005 - they are obsessed with terroir, and make uncompromising, very dry wines of astonishing transparency and purity. They have been farming organically since 2012 and were invited to join the prestigious VDP in 2015.
Tasting Note: Scented, slightly earthy red fruits. Deeply fruited and very fresh at the same time. Generous in fruit without excess sweetness. Refined tannins, with the oak increasing the body of the wine.
Drink now-2035. 16.5/20 jancisrobinson.com
