When it comes to brandy, the basic ingredients are essential for creating a unique and flavorful spirit. Through years of experimentation and refining our craft, we have discovered that the combination of Riesling and Baco Noir grapes truly embody the perfect mix of flavor, acidity, and terroir for our style of brandies.
1. Riesling Grapes:
Riesling grapes, known for their aromatic properties, play a crucial role in the creation of our brandies. These grapes offer a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, resulting in a complex and vibrant flavor profile. The natural sugars present in Riesling grapes provide the necessary foundation for fermentation, while the acidity helps to maintain a refreshing and crisp character in the final product.
2. Baco Noir Grapes:
Baco Noir grapes, on the other hand, bring depth and richness to our brandies. These dark-skinned grapes are known for their intense flavors, often reminiscent of blackberries and other dark fruits. The robust tannins present in Baco Noir grapes contribute to the structure and complexity of our brandies, creating a well-rounded and velvety mouthfeel.
3. Terroir:
Terroir, the unique environmental factors that influence grape growth and flavor, is an integral part of our brandy production. The specific region where our grapes are grown plays a significant role in the overall character of our brandies. The soil composition, climate, and microclimate of the vineyard all contribute to the distinct flavors and aromas found in our brandies. The combination of Riesling and Baco Noir grapes, grown in our carefully selected vineyards, allows us to capture the essence of our terroir in every bottle.
4. Fermentation and Distillation:
Once the grapes are harvested, they undergo fermentation to convert the sugars into alcohol. This process is typically facilitated by adding yeast to the grape juice, allowing it to ferment over a specific period. The resulting liquid, known as wine, serves as the base for brandy production.
After fermentation, the wine goes through the distillation process. Distillation involves heating the wine in a still, separating the alcohol from the other components through evaporation and condensation. The distilled alcohol, known as eau de vie, is then aged in oak barrels to develop its unique flavors and aromas over time.
5. Aging in Oak Barrels:
Aging in oak barrels is a crucial step in brandy production as it imparts additional layers of complexity and character to the spirit. The porous nature of oak allows the brandy to interact with the wood, resulting in the extraction of flavors such as vanilla, spice, and caramel. The length of aging can vary depending on the desired flavor profile, with some brandies aged for several years to develop a rich and nuanced taste.
The basic ingredients for our brandies are Riesling and Baco Noir grapes, carefully selected for their flavor, acidity, and terroir. These grapes, along with the influence of our unique growing region, fermentation, distillation, and oak aging, all contribute to the creation of our exceptional brandies. Each step of the process is carefully executed to ensure that the final product captures the essence and quality we strive for in our spirits.