With a graphic design studio on the Deutsche Weinstraße in Pfalz and a self-declared soft spot for the region and its produce, it was perhaps inevitable that Fred and Simone would turn their hand to winemaking. In 2018 they found a tiny plot of roughly 30 year old vines and, with plenty of help from friends and family, they created Carrousel de Tête. Meeting Fred, the creativity and playfulness that runs throughout his work suddenly makes sense. Charismatic and full of smiles, his energy is infectious. In 2023 he co-founded Soupe Salon, Pfalz’s natural wine salon that brings together winemakers, importers and enthusiasts alike. The wines are produced using little but grapes and time, and farmed organically since the beginning. In 2020, two vineyards in Deidesheim and Meckenheim were added. The total still lies just under half a hectare, planted with Silvaner, Riesling and Portugieser which are used to make their Blanc and Rouge. Carrousel de Tête also make négoce wines as well as small, collaborative projects with fellow winemakers: 2023 saw the release of collaborative wines made with the Seckinger brothers and Lukas Hammelmann in the Pfalz region. Needless to say, the labels are all designed with the creative flair of Fred’s studio, KGP.
Blanc 2023 is harvested from the same vineyard as the previous Blancs, a plot referred to as ‘in den Kieslöchern’ where the relatively barren ground is made up of sand, pebbles and a thin layer of clay. Two thirds Silvaner gives structure and light tannins, while the remaining third of Riesling offers a delicate oxidation. Unlike the ’22 vintage, the grapes were left to ferment for two days before pressing. Bottled in July, with a total of 25mg sulphur added. Pineapple juice meets well-balanced acidity, chill to 12-14° and decant before enjoying with your next round of Wurstsalat.