Varietal(s): Merlot , Mouvedre, Grenache, Pinot Noir + Syrah
Vineyard Management: Sustainable practices
Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation, Unfined/Unfiltered, minimal sulfur at bottling
Vegan: Yes
Typicity: An Atypical blend for any region, however no there are no wild flavors. This bottling tends to throw quite a bit of sediment so be mindful.
Bio: Tracey and Jared Brandt were pioneers in 2004, as the first 'natural' winemakers in Berkley, California. They studied under Eric Texier in the Rhône before attempting to translate his practices into what has now become standard in California winemaking.
The growers they contract with all share the same deference to practices that promote soil health, wines are ferried quickly to their facilities to undergo spontaneous fermentation and are bottled with no fining or filtering and just a dash of sulfur.
They moved their operation to what is now called the Gillman Wine Block with neighbors like Broc Cellars, Vinca Minor and Hammerling Wines. Oh, and Maitre de Chai Wines moved into their old digs. Neato.
