Today’s Story: Erggelet Brothers
Erggelet Brothers is a small wine producer which, as the name implies, was established by brothers Julian and Sebastian Erggelet. Julian and Sebastian grew up in southern Germany, and though Julian studied Medicine and Sebastian studied Philosophy & Economics the two picked up an appreciation and passion for wine along the way. Sebastian went back to school for Viticulture & Enology while Julian finished up his medical degree, and afterwards the brothers embarked on travels around the world and worked wine harvests, in cellars, and in kitchens to hone their palates in France, Switzerland, Australia, and Spain. The brothers journeyed to California in 2014 and worked at OVID, Seven Stones, and Martin Estate before ultimately starting their own winemaking project in 2015.
Today Julian and Sebastian source fruit from Contra Costa County in California, as well as some Pinot Noir from Oregon. The brothers put a major emphasis on farming, particularly “intentional” and organic farming. Julian and his wife Alli run an organic farming project called The Urban Edge in Brentwood, CA as well where they not only farm the Cecchini Family Vineyard but also grow 25 acres of mixed stone fruit, 5 acres of mixed vegetables, and 5 acres of asparagus. They also keep a watchful eye over ducks, chickens, goats, sheep, and rabbits.
Within the Contra Costa County, the Erggelet brothers source from two vineyards: Cecchini Family Vineyard and Del Barba Vineyard. They receive their Malvasia Bianca from Cecchini Family Vineyard, and Del Barba provides them with Carignane, Mataro, and Zinfandel. All wines ferment with indigenous yeasts and there are zero additions throughout the winemaking process. Come bottling, each wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Today’s Wine: 2019 Cecchini Family Vineyard Malvasia Bianca
100% Malvasia Bianca; 12% ABV
The 2019 Cecchini Family Vineyard Malvasia Bianca is pale to medium yellow in color. Aromas are of medium intensity, and the nose showcases delicate aromas of peach skins, lime zest, yellow apple, white floral blossom, beeswax, and rosemary. Meanwhile the flavors are also of medium intensity and the palate displays notes of peach, apricot, lime, white florals, honeycomb, wax, and sage. This dry white is light- to medium-bodied with medium (+) acidity, medium alcohol, and a medium (+) length finish. This is a very good and fun wine that didn’t last long once the cork was pulled. 100 cases produced.
Price: $25. I think this is incredibly fairly-priced and offers good value given the balance, structure, and solid complexity. The only Malvasia I’ve had has always been Madeira, so I was excited to try this and it was everything I hoped for.
JB's Wine Talk 