Low Intervention Winemaking
“Our winemaking philosophy revolves around low-intervention, allowing the true character of our high-elevation vineyards to shine through.”
At its core, low-intervention winemaking emphasizes minimal manipulation of the grape, vineyard, and fermentation processes. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on technological input and additives to shape the final product, low-intervention winemaking seeks to let the grape’s natural characteristics shine through. This means fewer additives, less filtration, and gentle handling from vineyard to bottle.
Key Aspects of Our Low-Intervention Process:
Sustainable Vineyard Practices
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with growers who prioritize the health of the land, selecting vineyards that embrace sustainable farming and organic principles. By reducing the use of synthetic chemicals and promoting biodiversity, we cultivate healthy vines that produce the highest-quality grapes—perfect for creating high-elevation wines that are both vibrant and expressive. These practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance the distinct flavors that make our wines stand out.
Minimal Additives
While conventional winemaking may use sulfites, acids, and other additives to control and standardize the winemaking process, low-intervention winemaking limits their use to preserve the wine’s integrity. Sulfites, if used, are kept to a minimum to maintain wine stability while respecting the purity of the taste.
Recently harvested grapes at being loaded into the truck during harvest 2024.
Native Yeast Fermentation
Instead of using commercial yeasts, we opt for wild fermentation, allowing the naturally occurring yeast on the grape skins and in the winery environment to drive the process. This creates complex flavor profiles that are unique to the vineyard’s specific terroir. For our inaugural 2024 harvest, we’re thrilled that every bottling of Allium was natively fermented.
Hand-Harvesting
Harvesting by hand is an essential part of our low-intervention winemaking process. All of our grapes are hand-picked at the peak of ripeness to ensure that only the best fruit makes it into our wines. This careful approach preserves the delicate nuances of each varietal and allows us to maintain the quality of the grapes, resulting in wines that reflect the true essence of our high-elevation vineyards.
The Result: Pure, Vibrant, and Complex Wines
The result of our low-intervention winemaking process is wines that authentically express the essence of our high-elevation vineyards. Each bottle is a reflection of the land, the vintage, and our dedication to crafting wines that honor nature’s role in the winemaking process.
Our hand-harvested Cabernet Franc offers rich, layered fruit flavors with earthy undertones, while our Sauvignon Blanc showcases crisp acidity and bright citrus notes, enhanced by the cool climate of our mountain vineyards. These wines are pure, vibrant, and complex—perfect for those who appreciate a true expression of terroir.
Experience the Beauty of Low-Intervention Wines
At Allium Wines, we are committed to low-intervention winemaking that allows the true character of our grapes and vineyard to shine. Our focus on sustainable practices, hand-harvesting, native yeast fermentation, and careful aging methods creates wines that are both natural and unforgettable.
We invite you to explore our collection of high-elevation wines and taste the difference that low-intervention makes. Every sip tells a story of the land, the vintage, and the hands that guided it from vine to bottle.