The Sauvao’s vision is to create wines that not only showcase the unique characteristics of their vineyard but also tell a story of the people and the land that make it special.

The Story Behind Minerva Wine

Minerva Wine is more than just a vineyard; it’s a testament to the power of love, hard work, and dedication. Eddie and Emily Sauvao, the husband-and-wife team, have poured their hearts and souls into creating a wine that not only reflects their passion but also honors the heritage of their ancestors. The Sauvao’s journey began with a visit to the vineyards of Bordeaux, where they discovered the art of winemaking and the importance of terroir. They were inspired by the stories of the people who worked the land, the struggles they faced, and the triumphs they achieved. The Sauvao’s vision was to create wines that would tell the story of their own ancestors, who were immigrants from the Pacific Islands.

The Vineyard

The Minerva Wine vineyard is a 20-acre property located in the heart of the Napa Valley.

The vineyard is situated in the heart of the Champagne region, where the unique terroir and climate conditions contribute to the distinct flavor profiles of the wines.

The Vineyard: A Haven for Classic Champagne Varieties

Minerva Wine’s vineyard is a haven for classic Champagne varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These varieties are renowned for their elegance and balance, which are essential characteristics of high-quality Champagne. The vineyard’s unique terroir and climate conditions play a significant role in shaping the flavor profiles of the wines. Key characteristics of the vineyard: + 10,000 vines dedicated to classic Champagne varieties + Situated in the heart of the Champagne region + Unique terroir and climate conditions + Classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier

The Art of Winemaking

Winemaking at Minerva Wine is an art form that requires great skill and attention to detail. The winemaking process involves a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology to create a truly exceptional sparkling wine.

The Unconventional Approach to Viticulture

Eddie’s decision to leave his career in data and AI to focus on the vineyard full-time was not an easy one. He had spent years working in the industry, but the monotony and lack of creativity had taken its toll. The prospect of working with his hands, surrounded by nature, and being his own boss was too enticing to resist. As he delved deeper into the world of viticulture, Eddie discovered that the traditional methods of winemaking were not as straightforward as he had imagined.

The Challenges of Pruning

Pruning, a crucial step in the viticulture process, was a steep learning curve for Eddie. He had to adapt to a new way of thinking, one that emphasized the importance of patience and attention to detail. Pruning alone takes months, and Eddie had to learn to navigate the complexities of the vineyard’s ecosystem. The process involved not only cutting away dead or damaged branches but also understanding the delicate balance of the vine’s growth patterns. Key challenges Eddie faced during the pruning process: + Adapting to a new way of thinking + Understanding the vine’s growth patterns + Navigating the complexities of the vineyard’s ecosystem + Managing the physical demands of the job

The Unconventional Approach

Minerva Wine will begin an unconventional approach to viticulture in 2025. This approach will involve a combination of traditional and modern techniques, with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Human sommeliers carefully select wines for pairing, while AI algorithms analyze the music and suggest complementary wine and music combinations. This innovative approach combines the art of wine tasting with the precision of AI technology, providing a truly immersive experience for participants. The concept of pairing wine with music is rooted in the idea that sound and taste can be deeply connected. Research has shown that certain musical genres and compositions can enhance or detract from the flavor profile of wine. For example, a study found that classical music can complement the rich flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon, while jazz music can pair well with a rich, full-bodied red wine. These findings suggest that music can influence our perception of taste and that pairing wine with music can elevate the wine-tasting experience. Minerva’s wine tastings incorporate this concept by pairing wines with music that complements their flavor profiles. The sommeliers carefully select wines that are well-suited to the musical genres and styles being played. For instance, a Minerva wine tasting might feature a Pinot Noir paired with a soft, acoustic guitar performance, while a bold, full-bodied red wine might be paired with a lively, energetic rock music. The goal is to create a harmonious and immersive experience that engages both the senses of taste and sound. The AI algorithms used by Minerva play a crucial role in suggesting wine and music combinations. These algorithms analyze the musical composition, including factors such as tempo, melody, and harmony, to determine the most suitable wine pairing.

The Minerva vineyard is situated in the picturesque village of Dundry, Somerset, England, surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands.

The Minerva Vineyard: A Haven for Wine Enthusiasts

The Minerva Vineyard is a family-owned and operated business that has been producing high-quality wines for over 20 years. The vineyard’s unique terroir and careful winemaking techniques have earned it a reputation as one of the top wine producers in the region.

The Terroir of the Mendip Hills

The Minerva Vineyard is situated in the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset, England. The region’s unique geology, with its geothermal springs and mineral-rich soil, creates a terroir that is both challenging and rewarding for grape growers. The Mendip Hills are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species of plants and animals. The region’s geology is characterized by limestone, sandstone, and clay, which provide a unique structure for the vines to grow. The geothermal springs in the area add to the soil’s mineral content, enriching the grapes with essential nutrients.

The Art of Winemaking

The Minerva Vineyard is committed to producing high-quality wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The Minerva Vineyard uses a combination of traditional and modern techniques to craft its wines. The winemaking team is led by a team of experienced winemakers who have a deep understanding of the terroir and the art of winemaking.

Regenerative farming transforms the farm, the environment, and the wine.

The Regenerative Farming Journey

Eddie and Emily’s decision to adopt regenerative farming techniques was not taken lightly. They had been farming for over a decade, but it wasn’t until they stumbled upon a documentary about the benefits of regenerative farming that they decided to make a change. The documentary highlighted the importance of soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in maintaining a thriving farm. Key principles of regenerative farming include:

• No-till or reduced-till farming to minimize soil disturbance
• Cover cropping to promote soil health and biodiversity
• Integrating livestock into the farm to enhance ecosystem services
• Using natural pest control methods to reduce chemical use

The Benefits of Regenerative Farming

Regenerative farming has numerous benefits for the environment, the farm, and the community. Some of the key benefits include:

The Sparkling Wine Connection

Eddie and Emily’s decision to hold on to their best harvest was not just about the environmental benefits of regenerative farming. It was also about creating a unique and high-quality sparkling wine.

From the label to the packaging, every element is carefully crafted to reflect the wine’s personality.

The Art of Wine Label Design

Wine label design is an art form that requires a deep understanding of the wine’s characteristics, the target audience, and the brand’s identity. Minerva Wine’s approach to label design is a perfect example of how a well-crafted label can elevate the wine-drinking experience.

The Story Behind the Label

Minerva Wine’s collaboration with Victoria Topping, a local artist, is a testament to the vineyard’s commitment to innovation and creativity. Each vintage features a unique design that reflects the wine’s personality, making every bottle a work of art. The label’s design process is a careful balancing act between the wine’s characteristics and the artist’s vision. The label’s design is influenced by the wine’s terroir, with elements such as the vineyard’s location, soil type, and climate. The artist’s vision is also incorporated, with unique and imaginative designs that reflect the wine’s personality. The final result is a label that is both visually striking and informative, providing the consumer with a sense of the wine’s characteristics and the story behind it.

The Impact of Wine Label Design on the Consumer

A well-designed wine label can have a significant impact on the consumer’s perception of the wine. A label that is visually striking and informative can create a positive association with the brand, making the consumer more likely to purchase the wine. A well-designed label can also convey the wine’s characteristics and quality, giving the consumer a sense of what to expect.