In my vocation I meet a lot of people; wine producers, fans and everyone in between. And I am privileged to meet so many exceptionally talented and friendly winemakers. This year (2012), I met Derek Rohlffs founder and proprietor of Bravium wines. Bravium a Latin word meaning prize / reward. Derek produces wines from a variety of regions seeking quality and finishing with his winemaker inputs for both an optimum and well priced set of wines.
Derek has been making for over a decade and the great depth and experience making wines from Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah to his white and red blends. I have tasted through many of wines and found them to not just be high on the quality setting but a great homage to the region he sources from. Derek is based in San Francisco’s Treasure Island and in many ways–a great symbol of assembly and centeredness. Being front and center of the many wine countries San Francisco is at the crossroads of Northern California wine countries: North, East and South. The urban winemaking experience is both new and old–and a great roots back to what San Francisco was doing before, during and now. While Prohibition was terribly destructive in San Francisco and certain areas of California wine grape production continued via familial and sacramental allowances. The urban winemaking phenomenon is important as it bring that wine country experience to the City. Urban winemaking allows for a quicker access to have that experience without having to travel far.
I am including my wine reviews in this story for you to see and hear about the Bravium wines I tasted this year. I also am including an interview with Derek–actually my first interview of a winemaker or anyone. Derek’s brand is sterling and comes through as a great representation of his heart and soul in winemaking and philanthropy. Though a small producer Derek is also about giving back and created “Sip and Give.” His philanthropy is an open book on his website and asks visitors to vote for a few selected charities–take a look and a vote–you can see a large number of people voting.
I hope you like the videos in addition to this very brief posting. To seek out Bravium wines go to http://bravium.com/. And I look forward to tasting Bravium wines now and for a long time to come.
¡Salud!
http://www.jamesthewineguy.com
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Demystifying Wine…One Bottle at a Time from all wine regions around the world.
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