INTRODUCING NAPA VALLEY'S BRENDEL WINES--HISTORIC VINEYARDS FARMED ORGANICALLY (WITH A HEITZ CELLARS CONNECTION)
Brendel Wines is a relatively new project, taking the traditions and terroir of Napa Valley and making some killer wines.
Brendel Wines, the new winery concept from St. Helena named for a pioneer Napa Valley vintner, might not sound familiar, but the company definitely has some people and history you may have heard of.
Led by Brittany Sherwood (Long Beach native WHOOO-WOOO!), who earned her degree in Enology and Viticulture from UC Davis, (and who also currently heads up winemaking for Heitz Cellars), Brendel Wines’ goal is to “find truth in terroir”, using only organically-grown grapes, and employing as minimal intervention as possible to produce the wines. Brittany wants to show what really good soil and clean farming can produce. Some of these wines are using grapes you may have have heard of.
Brendel will be taking over the use of Grignolino from Heitz cellars, who is discontinuing the varietal. If you’ve been a fan, you should try out Brendel’s “Young Leon” Frizzante. Heitz Cellars had been making Grignolino since 1963, planted by a man named Leon Brendel in the 1950s. You don’t see much Grignolino in the United States, but this isn’t one you should sleep on. And here is what Samantha had to say about it:
Brendel 2019 Frizzante Rosé Young Leon Napa Valley
Such a playful and fun dry rosé! Made from the same Grignolino vineyard used by Heitz Cellars for generations. Very berry-forward on the nose, but there is plenty of citrus, which gives the wine great balance. Tiny bubbles, so fresh and vibrant, with a lighter weight and a dry, crisp finish. Plus, when was the last time you had a fizzy Grignolino rosé?--Samantha Dugan
$29.99 per bottle
Brendel 2019 Red Wine Cuvée Rouge Chorus, Napa Valley
A unique, wild and historic field blend, it is made up of mostly Iberian varieties: 32% Tempranillo, 26% Touriga Nacional, 22% Tinta Cao, 12% Tinta Madeira, 8% Trousseau. 10 months in large neutral tanks. This wine displays notes of freshly cut red roses and tart red fruit. Delicious, complex, and dangerously drinkable, it's the perfect wine for special occasions, or any old day of the week!
$27.99 per bottle
Brendel 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Cooper's Reed, Napa Valley
A classic-style Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, made from some of the best AVAs in the region for under $40? YES, PLEASE! This wine is a nod to classic Napa Valley Cabernet with a hint of a fresh twist: utilizing organic grapes sourced from pristine valley floor vineyards. This wine ages slowly in large oak casks that assist in showcasing the incredible purity of fruit and freshness when it hits the palate. Fresh aromas of eucalyptus and vibrant red and black fruits. The palate follows the nose and finishes with a thread of softer tannins than you would expect from Napa Valley Cabernet.
$37.99 per bottle