Location and Terroir
The Rings winery is in Freinsheim at the northern end of the Mittelhaardt in the Pfalz. The vineyards are located in Freinsheim as well as in the neighbouring sites Kallstadt, Ungstein and Leistadt. They lie at altitudes of about 90 to 260 metres, including south- and south-east-facing slopes.
The sites differ in terms of climate and geology: Kallstadt and Leistadt are considered cooler sites influenced by the Palatinate Forest, while Freinsheim is the warmest site. The soils range from loess, clay and sandy gravel to terra rossa, limestone and calcareous marl. The Felsenberg lies on a natural band of tertiary limestone in the Berntal nature reserve.
Vineyards and Grape Varieties
The winery is certified as EU-organic and, according to its own information, has worked organically since 2016. Its own vineyards are managed from vine pruning through to hand harvest. This includes, among other things, sowing cover crops, applying horse manure, manually removing double shoots and leaf work to improve airflow around the grapes.
The most important grape varieties include Riesling, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and international red grape varieties. In the variety statement, each accounts for 25 per cent for Riesling and Spätburgunder, 10 per cent for Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and 10 per cent for Cabernet Sauvignon. The Felsenberg, which is fully planted with Spätburgunder, was restored and replanted in 2011.
Winemaking and Wine Style
The winery produces dry wines with spontaneous fermentation and describes them as an expression of their origin. Riesling and red musts ferment with natural yeasts. For ageing, traditional large wooden casks and stainless steel are used; the predominantly underground cellar, according to the winery, remains at around 12 to 14 °C and is naturally cooled.
The range includes Rieslings, Spätburgunders and cuvées from international grape varieties. For a documented Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), after hand harvest 70 per cent are fermented and aged in stainless steel and 30 per cent in 500-litre tonneaux; around 10 per cent ferment on the skins.
History
Steffen and Andreas Rings have run the business together since 2008. In 2015, the winery became a member of the VDP. In 2018, a new winery was completed in the Freinsheim wine site Schwarzes Kreuz.
