Herbert Messmer

Superbly made wines, exceptional clarity and polish in a keenly etched and chiseled style. Has soared ahead to take its place among the best estates in the Pfalz the last few years. Sure-handed with a multitude of grape varieties. What unites them is CLARITY and SPECIFICITY. Gregor’s careful, diligent style seems to allow us to examine the fruit of his wines as though under a microscope. This must be the most honorable way to make wine. Everyone knows how to make bombshells—it’s facile and plausible—but the tender, delicate rendering of varietal fruit denotes a respect for the grape which only shows when you’re nature’s humble servant and not concerned with being a hot-shot. Gregor’s wines have an exactitude that satisfies my desire for seeing things clearly.

Terry Theise called the '08 vintage "the best vintage [Messmer has] ever made..."

•Vineyard area: 25 hectares
•Annual production: 17,500 cases
•Top sites: Burrweiler Schäwer, Schlossgarten and Altenforst
•Soil types: Slate, sandy loam loess, red sandstone and heavy chalky clay and loam
•Grape varieties: 45% Riesling, 13% Spätburgunder, 10% Weissburgunder, 6% St. Laurent, 5% Grauburgunder, 21% other varietals including Scheurebe