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 Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2022 “Smooth and rounded in texture, this wine opens with light butter, golden apple and vanilla notes before rich, poached-pear flavors and a soft texture coat the palate. A medium body and barrel aging have…
Bravium Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2022 “Red cherry immediately pops from the glass, followed by juicy cranberry and pomegranate, plus a bouquet of roses, violets and lavender. The palate of this wine incorporates a fine-grained, sandy tannic texture alongside generous…
Bravium Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2022 “Creamy brioche, nougat and vanilla threaded through with spiced lemons and white fruit. Round, medium- to full-bodied on the palate with creamy fruit and nice oak spices. Drink now through 2027.” —Zekun Shuai,…
Bravium Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2022 “Cheerful and laid-back nose full of sweet brambly fruit. Lots of ripe raspberries, candied cherries and potpourri. Fruity and simple on the palate with fresh acidity, soft tannins and a dry, fruity finish. Drink…
Bravium Wiley Vineyard Blanc de Noirs 2020 “The second vintage of Bravium’s Blanc de Noirs is again composed entirely from pinot noir, with the vins clairs barrel-fermented and given an extended élevage of ten months prior to bottling up for…
Bravium Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2022 “The soon to be released bottling of Pinot Noir from the 2022 vintage from Derek Rohlffs at Bravium Wines is excellent. The wine comes in at a very civilized 13.3 percent octane in this…
