Becker

Situated at the very southern end of the Pfalz, this estate actually owns a significant portion of vineyard land across the border in Alsace—which they are allowed to label legally as German wine. The whole operation feels like a hybrid of French technique with German tradition. Young Fritz Becker gleefully experiments with French vs German clones of Pinor Noir and French vs German barrels—including numerous casks he picked up (used) from Romanée-Conti and Comtes Lafon! Rich, suave Pinots are made here with riper fruit and meatier textures than are typical for Germany. Green cover crops, minimal spraying, and organic fertilizer nurture the vines; in general, wild yeasts ferment the whites and cultured yeasts are used for the reds.

Wines

• Petit Rosé 2010
• Pinot Blanc Dry Estate 2010
• Pinot Noir "B" 2009
• Pinot Noir "Limestone" (Kalkgestein) 2009
• Pinot Noir Dry Estate 2010
• Pinot Noir Dry Estate 2009
• Riesling Medium dry "Laissez Faire" 2009