Winery:
As a young man, Friedrich Becker, Sr. dared to break with the six prior generation’s of family tradition in supplying grapes to the local co-operative, and he started bottling his own wines. From this beginning, he is now decidedly one of the best producers in the Pfalz region. His Grosses Gewächs (Grand Cru) ‘St. Paul’ Pinot Noir has frequently been selected as the best Pinot Noir in Germany. Much of the Becker vineyards were specifically re-planted on the stony chalky soils. Two thirds of these vineyards, curiously enough are located on the Alsace side of the French/German border. Thanks to the ‘1955 Accord’, the Becker’s and five other producers had their land rights restored after losing land when borders were re-drawn after WWII. The children (Fritz and Helena) are very active in the business, and Fritz, Jr. is reputed with improving much of the Becker whites, specifically the Pinot Blanc and Riesling ‘Laisser Faire’ estate wines. Pinot Noir, Riesling and white Pinot make up most of the production.
Winemaking:
As in other parts of Germany, the Becker estate had a fantastic 2012 vintage, although slightly short. The long flowering made way for healthy, loose grape clusters – perfect for Pinot and red varietals. This fruit was picked in late September through early October and the wine was started with spontaneous fermentation and finished with cultured yeast and is 100% stainless steal fermented.
Tasting Notes:
“Real Good Stuff!”, Fritz Becker, 1/31/2013
