Unbottled – Rings The Match

The Palatinate the second largest wine region in the country. Obviously, there would have been a number of choices in the Riesling department. Yet, the warmer climate – compared to other German regions, makes it also possible to grow interesting red grapes. So, my choice fell on the Rings The Match 2018.

The wine is a limited edition for Mainwein in Frankfurt. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, St. Laurent and Portugieser grapes grow in the hottest parcels of Freinsheim. After the manual harvest the grapes undergo two selections in the vineyard, one before destemming and another one afterwards. The grapes are mash fermented with natural yeasts. Ageing takes place in barrique barrels for two years. Afterwards the wine is bottled without filtration.

Bordeaux blend

The Rings Match begins with intense red and dark fruit notes. I found raspberries, dark cherries as well as cassis. You also get some tobacco in combination with oak spices. On the palate, the noticeable tannins are grainy and smooth, but at the same time leave a flour-like mouthfeel. Afterwards you will find a complex combination of red fruits, raspberries, sour cherries and spicy notes. In the aftertaste some tannins stick to your tongue in combination with red fruits and some chalky notes.

Tasty combination

Mainwein and Rings already market the Match for barbecue. This is why, I decided to make some organic Angus beef Flank steak with glaced carrots as well as Hasselback potatoes. Obviously, this was a great combination. The wine is powerful enough to stand up to the roasted flavours of the steak. At the same time, the wine does not have too much alcohol.