Mount Brave Merlot, Mount Veeder

Description

Mount Brave Merlot is produced from high-altitude vineyards in the Mount Veeder American Viticultural Area (AVA) within Napa Valley.

Mt Brave Wines was established in 2007 and was previously known as the Chateau Potelle Vineyard. The vineyards are located between 1400 and 1800 metres above sea level and, whilst they are cool climate, they sit above the fog line with the morning sun warming the grapes each day. The meagre soils are composed of gravelly loam with rocks large and small. Nutrients and minerals are scant, resulting in tiny berries with concentrated and complex flavours. The estate is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. The winemaker is Chris Carpenter, a Napa Valley legend, who had previously worked at Lokoya and Cardinale. Mt Brave produced several wines including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Zinfandel

Mt Brave is owned by Jackson Family Wines. Jess and Barbara founded Jackson Family Wines (JFW) in 1982 which has its roots in California. JFW had a vision to create a global wine company known for its extraordinary premium and luxury wines from many of the greatest wine-growing regions of the world. Indeed, under Barbara’s stewardship, they have since become one of the world’s largest, and high quality, wine companies with interests in California including La Crema, Hartford Court, Camelot Highlands et al. They also own Capensis in South Africa, Yangarra in Australia and Chateau Lassegue in Bordeaux.

Mount Veeder is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located within the Napa Valley AVA. The appellation covers around 25 square miles with some 400 hectares of vineyards planted in volcanic soils amongst the Mayacamas Mountains. It is a rugged and remote wine-growing region with some breathtaking panoramic views, rugged, sparsely covered soils, and steep, challenging terrain. It also has some of the lowest-yielding vineyards in Napa Valley.

The grapes for Mount Brave Merlot are hand-harvested in cool morning hours. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and then underwent native malolactic fermentation in barrels to round acidity and softly integrate the vanillin character of French oak (87% new). After barrel ageing for 21 months the wine was bottled without fining or filtration. 100% Merlot.

Mount Brave Merlot is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.