VDP.ESTATE
RINGS

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Andreas Rings: We completely rebuilt our winery in the Schwarzes Kreuz vineyard in 2018. Not only the location is special, but also the fact that 70 percent of the building is hidden underground. All operating procedures have been optimised and improved. It is also worth noting that we maintain an old, forgotten vineyard site in Leistadt called Felsenberg. It is planted 100 % with Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and is in our sole possession.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Andreas Rings: The name Rings stands for top wines produced by hand from renowned Mittelhaardt vineyard sites. They show their vineyard character and our character in a very natural way.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Andreas Rings: Dry, spontaneously fermented wines with outstanding ageing potential that sometimes have rough edges in their youth.

VDP: What is your favourite grape variety?

Andreas Rings: We have no single favourite grape variety, we have several ...

VDP: Which of your wines would you recommend to someone who does not yet know your winery – as an introduction, so to speak?

Andreas Rings: The Spätburgunder VDP.GUTSWEIN. That will give you a hint or taste of what our great wines are all about.

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Andreas Rings: Difficult question! I can probably only answer that question when I retire, when the best wines have reached their peak and I can finally evaluate them. But it’s still a while off ...

VDP: Why did you become a vintner?

Andreas Rings: It’s always been my dream job!

VDP: Do you have role models?

Andreas Rings: Oh, there are many of them, but Bernhard Huber is at the forefront.

VDP: What are your next goals?

Andreas Rings: I’m trying to become calmer and more relaxed.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Andreas Rings: We only do what we think makes sense, both in terms of tradition as well as innovation.

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

Andreas Rings: Well, we are very hospitable and really like to drink wine. I think people immediately notice our great and authentic enthusiasm for wine. I can also recommend a walk to my favourite place, the FELSENBERG vineyard in the Berntal nature reserve.

VDP: What is your favourite food and which of your wines do you drink with it?

Andreas Rings: Saumagen – and with pleasure accompanied by a SAUMAGEN wine!