Aquila Cellars

located in the North Fork Valley of Colorado, stands as a testament to the potential of high-altitude, high-desert winemaking. More than just a winery, it's a project rooted in a profound respect for the land and a commitment to showcasing the unique terroir of the region. Winemakers Brandt Thibodeaux and Courtney Gayer, with their backgrounds in farming and natural winemaking, are on a mission to produce "living, unfiltered wines that favor energy over power, freshness over richness."

Terroir: The Colorado Advantage

Aquila Cellars' wines are a direct reflection of the extreme and unique environment in which their grapes are grown. The vineyards, some of which were abandoned and have been rehabilitated by the Aquila team, are a patchwork of high-elevation sites across Western Colorado.

• High Elevation: Some of their vineyards, like the one that produced their Nebbiolo, are perched at nearly 6,000 feet. This high altitude is a defining characteristic. The intense solar radiation during the day promotes grape ripening and phenolic development, while the dramatically cool nights help to retain crucial acidity. This significant diurnal shift is a key factor in producing wines that are high in energy and freshness, rather than being overly ripe or "flabby."

• Arid Climate and Snowmelt Irrigation: The arid, high-desert climate, while challenging, is also a benefit. The low humidity minimizes disease pressure, allowing for a more natural approach to farming. Irrigation, when needed, comes from a 100-year-old system of snowmelt ditches, a truly unique and sustainable method of providing water to the vines.

• Diverse and Ancient Soils: The soils in the North Fork Valley are a result of complex geological history. The well-draining, mineral-rich soils stress the vines, leading to lower yields and more concentrated, flavorful grapes.

Vineyard Practices: A Focus on the Land

Aquila Cellars’ philosophy is deeply intertwined with the health and longevity of the land. They view themselves as stewards of the vineyards, working to promote a healthy ecosystem and rehabilitate old vines.

• Organic and Biodynamic Practices: While not all of their vineyards are formally certified, Aquila Cellars employs organic and biodynamic practices. This means avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in favor of natural methods. This holistic approach focuses on the vineyard as a living system.

• Revitalizing Old Vines: A significant part of their work involves bringing abandoned, own-rooted vineyards back to life. This dedication to preserving old vines—some dating back to the 1920s—is a testament to their belief in the history and potential of Colorado viticulture.

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management: By focusing on soil health and minimizing chemical intervention, they foster a balanced ecosystem within the vineyard, which naturally reduces pests and enhances the overall vitality of the vines.

Winemaking: A Low-Intervention, Natural Approach

In the cellar, the winemaking philosophy is "minimalist in the cellar, regenerative in the field." The goal is to allow the character of the Colorado fruit to be the star of the show.

• Spontaneous Fermentation: Aquila Cellars relies on indigenous yeasts for fermentation. These native yeasts, unique to their vineyards, contribute to the distinctive flavors and aromas of their wines, creating a more authentic expression of the terroir.

• No Fining or Filtering: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, a hallmark of natural winemaking. This preserves the wine's natural texture, flavor, and antioxidants, and can sometimes result in a slight haze in the bottle.

• Gentle Processing: The team employs rustic, gentle processing methods. Grapes are often foot-trod and pressed using a traditional, 90-year-old basket press. This low-tech approach avoids the trauma that modern machinery can inflict on the grapes, resulting in a more delicate and nuanced wine.

• Minimal Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Sulfur is used sparingly, if at all, to ensure stability. This minimal intervention allows for a more vibrant, energetic wine that truly reflects the place it came from.

Aquila Cellars represents a new frontier in American winemaking. By combining a deep understanding of their unique high-altitude terroir with a hands-on, low-intervention approach to both farming and winemaking, they are producing a new style of wine that is both a reflection of Colorado and a bold statement about the future of wine in the American West.