Becker Family Spätburgunder 2019

Located in Schweigen, in the far south of the Palatinate, the Friedrich Becker estate cultivates its vines on limestone and marl-limestone slopes that straddle the border between Germany and Alsace. The plots destined for Becker Family Spätburgunder benefit from a relatively mild climate, characterized by good exposure and cross-border influences, allowing for a slow and even ripening of the Pinot Noir. This terroir, a blend of stony soils, active limestone, and light clay, imparts finesse, freshness, and a particularly precise expression of fruit to the wine.

The grapes at Spätburgunder are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and destemmed before maceration and fermentation in tanks, with gentle extraction to preserve the fruit's elegance. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in oak barrels, where the wine is aged for several months. Aging in barrels, primarily French oak, refines the tannic structure and develops subtle aromas of spice and fine oak, while maintaining the freshness and purity of Pinot Noir characteristic of the estate's style.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruits , such as cherry and raspberry , complemented by darker hints of blackberry and plum . Delicate floral nuances reminiscent of peony and dried rose are added, along with spicy and peppery accents, supported by discreet oak with notes of smoke and vanilla . On the palate, the texture is supple, carried by fresh acidity , fine tannins , and a sleek, slightly mineral finish.

Germany has a long and illustrious history of winemaking. The Romans established the country's first vineyards along the banks of the Moselle River, near the present-day city of Trier. By the third century AD, vineyards had spread to various neighboring valleys, primarily those of the Moselle's tributaries. During the Middle Ages, the Christian church, particularly the Cistercian and Benedictine monasteries, had a significant influence on the development of viticulture and the production of quality wine in Germany. Germany has always been renowned for its excellent white wines: slightly sweet, low in alcohol, but always of high quality. However, in recent years, wine drinkers have tended to prefer drier wines. Consequently, the German market has evolved to cater to all tastes with some splendid dry Rieslings and other white wine varieties, such as Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Grauburgunder. Warmer summers and milder winters have also favored rosés and reds, with Pinot Noir being the third most planted grape variety in the country. So, take your pick—from traditional Rieslings to great reds, the range is wide and still expanding. The German wine industry lost its way in terms of quality during the 20th century, expanding plantings onto less favorable sites and increasing yields to levels where quality was severely compromised. However, Germany's greatest wine producers were never completely lost, and since the end of the 20th century, considerable efforts have been made to restore Germany's former glory. Yields are now limited by law, and many leading producers have joined forces to form the VDP association (see German Wine Labels). Members of the VDP are bound by a commitment to focus their efforts on quality rather than quantity. In terms of volume, Germany ranks among the top ten countries in the world for annual wine production. Just over 60% of the wine produced is white, and it is widely acknowledged that the white wines from Germany's best vineyards and most reputable producers are among the finest in the world. German red wines are also gaining in popularity and quality, particularly those made from Spätburgunder, the local name for Pinot Noir. The second most popular red grape variety (in terms of planted hectares, at least) is Dornfelder.