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…

Ingredients Labeling Starting with the 2022 vintage, the back labels of all of my Bravium wines have included ingredient lists. My thinking is that a traditionally produced wine should always contain no more than five ingredients, otherwise it’s more of…

Why Diam Cork For centuries, cork has been the bottle closure of choice for winemakers as it is a natural product that allows fine wine to evolve in the bottle. But one drawback to traditional cork is the risk of…

Bravium Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2019 “Earthy mushroom vibes calm the senses before you take a sip. The palate is soft and supple, with a quiet edge and a hint of tannins. This would be a great wine to bring…

Bravium, Wiley Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 Anderson Valley
Just nine miles from the ocean at an elevation of 152 m and planted from 1972 on Franciscan sandstone. Native ferment in small fermenters and then gravity-fed to French and Hungarian barriques and 500-litre puncheons, 25% new. Derek Rohlffs both farms the vines and makes the wine. 250 cases.

Some lovely Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs
With alcohol levels and recommended retail prices in the US
Bravium, Wiley Vineyard 2018, 13.1% $39