Friedrich Becker Familie Pinot Noir, Pfalz, Germany 2021
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
From vineyards that straddle the German–French border, Weingut Friedrich Becker has earned a reputation as one of the leading Pinot Noir producers in Germany. The estate’s focus on limestone soils, Burgundian technique, and long, slow élevage results in Spätburgunders that are deeply expressive and age-worthy. The 2021 vintage of Becker Famille Pinot Noir shows clarity, lift, and elegance, shaped by traditional methods and extended time on lees and in barrel.
WINEMAKER: Fritz Becker Jr.
FARMING: Sustainable farming with emphasis on biodiversity and minimal intervention.
VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
TERROIR: The fruit is grown on rare limestone soils with a heavy topsoil of loam and clay. Vines range from 19 to 43 years in age, offering depth and complexity from mature root systems.
VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested and fully destemmed. Maceration lasts 14 to 21 days to extract full aromatic and phenolic character from the skins. Fermentation occurs in large oak barrels. After fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for nearly 12 months, then spends an additional 18 months aging in oak to develop structure and nuance.
AGING: 30 months total—12 months on lees post-fermentation, followed by 18 months in oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES: Clear ruby red with dark reflections. The nose reveals wild berries, spice, forest floor, and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, it’s juicy and precise, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and a long, structured finish. Elegant and grounded, with excellent aging potential.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Wild mushroom risotto, duck confit with cherry glaze, tinned smoked trout with horseradish crème, lentils with caramelized root vegetables, or alpine cheeses with rye crackers.
From vineyards that straddle the German–French border, Weingut Friedrich Becker has earned a reputation as one of the leading Pinot Noir producers in Germany. The estate’s focus on limestone soils, Burgundian technique, and long, slow élevage results in Spätburgunders that are deeply expressive and age-worthy. The 2021 vintage of Becker Famille Pinot Noir shows clarity, lift, and elegance, shaped by traditional methods and extended time on lees and in barrel.
WINEMAKER: Fritz Becker Jr.
FARMING: Sustainable farming with emphasis on biodiversity and minimal intervention.
VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
TERROIR: The fruit is grown on rare limestone soils with a heavy topsoil of loam and clay. Vines range from 19 to 43 years in age, offering depth and complexity from mature root systems.
VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested and fully destemmed. Maceration lasts 14 to 21 days to extract full aromatic and phenolic character from the skins. Fermentation occurs in large oak barrels. After fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for nearly 12 months, then spends an additional 18 months aging in oak to develop structure and nuance.
AGING: 30 months total—12 months on lees post-fermentation, followed by 18 months in oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES: Clear ruby red with dark reflections. The nose reveals wild berries, spice, forest floor, and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, it’s juicy and precise, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and a long, structured finish. Elegant and grounded, with excellent aging potential.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Wild mushroom risotto, duck confit with cherry glaze, tinned smoked trout with horseradish crème, lentils with caramelized root vegetables, or alpine cheeses with rye crackers.