Texture and tannin are two important components that define the structure of a wine, and when pairing wine with Japanese cuisine, texture-driven wines are the key to success. I have always sought to build structure via texture in my Bravium…

In a recent interview with Wine Business Monthly, Derek shares his journey of using native yeasts to craft Bravium wines. Derek gives a look into his winemaking process, in this interesting article titled “Terroir and Transarency through Autochthonous Yeasts”; Trinchero…

Winemakers, including me, are always conducting small trials and experiments to find new ways to improve their practices and wines. But I believed in one technique so much that I skipped the trials and went all in with one of…

Inspired by the Native American principle of honoring and preserving the land, Derek cultivates his vineyards in ways that respect natural resources and future generations. Through Bravium, he emphasizes the importance of place, both as a cultural value and as…

Rather than using commercial strains of yeast which often override vineyard distinctions, Derek turned to native fermentations. Through extensive research and trials, Torulaspora delbrueckii, a wild yeast, emerged as a standout for enhancing aromatic complexity, fruit purity, and texture.  …

Bâtonnage is a traditional winemaking technique that Derek employs to enhance texture and mouthfeel while preserving each wine’s natural character. This gentle method involves stirring the lees, the spent yeast and grape solids that settle after fermentation, to develop a…

Bees in the Vineyard The fungicides and pesticides typically used in traditional farming are harmful to bees, and this widespread practice is in part why bee populations have declined around the world. In regenerative organic farming, however, the bees and…

Regenerative Farming Before It Was Cool Regenerative organic farming is about building soil and ecosystem health to leave the land, waters, and climate in better shape for future generations. It goes beyond sustainable and organic, and draws from practices Indigenous…

Whole Cluster Fermentation Whole-cluster fermentation is the fermentation of intact, whole clusters of grapes. Leaving the grapes uncrushed and on stem during  fermentation can be beneficial because the stems contain large amounts of phenolics—tannins, flavanols, and other flavor compounds—which provide…

Hungarian Oak WHY BRAVIUM USES HUNGARIAN OAK BARRELS About ten years ago, my eyes were opened to Hungarian oak during a blind tasting arranged by iconic barrel broker Mel Knox. I tasted the same Chardonnay and Pinot Noir raised in…