Another delivery from Rome, there are actually three Arvine grape varieties, only two used for wine production: Grand Arvine, with the larger berries, and Petit Arvine, with the, you guessed it, smaller berries. The unloved Arvine brune has faded from the scene. Grand Arvine gets criticized for displaying little character, whereas the Petit Arvine tends to have a fuller bouquet and lower acidity. In blind tasting, Petit Arvine generally kicks ass against its plumper brother. Arvine is also an excellent grape for late harvest wine, which can be cellared.
Michael Broger Weinbau
Housed in a restored early 19th-Century farmhouse in Ottoberg, the 2.5 acres Broger Weinbau above Boltshausen is a wish realized for Michael Broger.
After an apprenticeship in wine technology and some hands-on experience with various independent wine producers in eastern Switzerland, Michael attended viniculture courses in Wädenswil as well as training in organic farming at FIBL. This was followed by a couple years working with H. U. Kesselring at Schlossgut Bachtobel, and lastly by a stint in New Zealand. Michael then turned his dream to reality and the first wines from Broger Weinbau were ready in autumn 2003
Viticulture
All work in the steep vineyards of Broger Weinbau is guided with an eye toward sustainability and protecting the land, so all the work is done by hand and no herbicides are used in the vineyard. Further, the use of fungicides has been reduced each year, and some parcels are managed following biodynamic principles. The results show that biodynamic farming is worth the effort.
Vinification
The pressing of the grapes is done on site where possible. After fermentation the young wine is moved to the house cellar without the use of pumps. Stored in wooden barrels it passes through the rhythm of the seasons, naturally developing, reducing acidity, and then resting until it’s time to bottle. The philosophy is to present the wines as naturally as possible and allow customers to truly experience vintage variations.
Link:
Michael Broger Weinbau Schnellberg 1
Ottoberg 8561Switzerland
See map: map.search.ch, Google Maps
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The Wine Grapes of Switzerland
Arvine
Sauvignon blanc
One of the classic grapes of France, Sauvignon blanc is planted in most wine regions of the world. It produces a wide range of wine styles.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, is one of the oldest grape varieties still around. It’s linked to the Anathelicon moschaton grape used by the Ancient Greeks, and the Apiane grapevines of the Romans. A white grape, it’s a member of the Muscat family. The name comes from its small berry and tight clusters. it’s called Muscat Canelli in Valais, but also goes under lots of names: Muscat Blanc, Moscato Bianco, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de Lunel, Muscat d'Alsace, Muskateller, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Moscatel Rosé and Sárgamuskotály. Theoretically a white grape, the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains can also produce berries that are pink or reddish brown.
Wine improves with age - I like it the older I get.
Anonymous
