Dr. Von Bassermann-Jordan Forster Pechstein Grosses Gewachs Riesling, Pfalz
Bassermann-Jordan, with origins going back to 1718, is one of the leading producers of Germany’s Pfalz (or Palatinate) region, based in Deidesheim, with excellent vineyard holdings there and in the neighbouring villages of Forst, Ruppertsberg, Wachenheim, Königsbach and Niederkirchen.
The Pechstein vineyard near Forst gets its name from black, volcanic ‘pitch-stone’ soils derived from basalt. Bassermann-Jordan owns less than 1ha of this 15.3ha vineyard. The soil today is sandy clay, in places with sandstone scree and clay, interspersed with dark basaltic veins and basalt gravel.
The grapes are harvested by hand with typical yields under 40 hl/ha. The juice is fermented under temperature control in stainless steel, and/or a single, old oak barrel, and left on fine lees in tank for 5-6 months. The Pechstein wine is typically dense and minerally, with aromas of peach, apricot and citrus fruits, plenty of finesse and a long, elegant finish. Deserves at least 5-6 years of bottle age.
"Very flinty, this is a sleek dry riesling with a lot of mineral drive. A hardcore finish that tests your nerve in the way a young Corton-Charlemagne can. Better from 2018 and has a couple of decades ahead of it."
94 points, jamessuckiling.com, November 2017
"The usual fragrant suspects of pear and melon are joined by an intriguing notion of wood spice, which may just indicate a touch of barrique. If this theory holds true, the oak has not been used to add flavour, but to give structure to a rich texture and full body. Almost a Riesling Grosses Gewächs in the disguise of a generous burgundy."
17 points, Michael Schmidt, JancisRobinson.com (August 2017)
Bassermann-Jordan’s vineayards include some of the most notable winegrowing sites in the Pfalz. Covering more than 49 ha, their vineyard locations in Forst, Deidesheim and Ruppertsberg include 20 different single vineyard sites. A third of these vineyards are classified Grand Cru such as Hohenmorgen, Pechstein, and Jesuitengarten. These vineyards are organically farmed and winemaker Ulrich Mell focuses on spontaneous fermentation without artificial additives prior to lees ageing.
In 1718, Pierre Jordan purchased the family's first vineyards in Pfalz. 65 years later, Johann-Peter Jordan built the winery in Deidesheim. Quality is a Jordan family tradition. Around 1800, Andreas Jordan was a part of the avant-garde of growers changed the face of viticulture in the Pfalz by planting single varieties by the vineyard. He was also one of the first winemakers to vinify each vineyard separately. Later, in 1883, marriage between the Bassermann and Jordan families. Today, the estate is owned by the Niederberger family who took ownership after the remaining Bassermann-Jordan heirs resolved to sell. Since 2002, winemaker Ulrich Mell has been committed to honouring the Bassermann-Jordan pursuit of quality in the Pfalz.
