Florèz Wines (James Jelks)

Technical Bio

James Jelks is the founder and winemaker of Florèz Wines, a project that is a testament to his deep-rooted connection to the Santa Cruz area and his global winemaking experience. Having worked in cellars across the world, from Burgundy to New Zealand, Jelks brings a technically informed yet low-intervention approach to his California wines. His philosophy is one of transparency and respect for the land, resulting in wines that are an honest expression of their terroir.

Technical Philosophy and Practices:

• Vineyard Farming: Jelks either farms vineyards himself or sources fruit exclusively from organic and sustainably managed vineyards. A key principle for him is dry farming, which he believes forces the vines to grow deep roots, resulting in more resilient plants and grapes with concentrated flavors. He also champions old, mixed-vineyard sites, viewing them as a finite resource and a link to California's winemaking history.

• Winemaking Protocols:

  • Native Yeast Fermentation: A cornerstone of his practice is the use of native yeasts for all fermentations. This "hands-off" approach allows the specific microbial environment of the vineyard to shape the wine's character, contributing to complexity and a sense of place.

  • Minimal Additives: Jelks is a firm believer in making wine without unnecessary additions. He avoids commercial nutrients and enzymes. The only addition, if any, is a minimal amount of SO2 at bottling to ensure the wine's stability, though he has also made wines with no added sulfites at all.

  • Unfined and Unfiltered: To maintain the wine's natural texture, aromas, and flavors, all Florèz wines are bottled without fining or filtering. This commitment to purity means the wines may have some natural sediment, which is a sign of their unadulterated state.

  • Old-World Techniques: Jelks employs various old-world techniques, such as carbonic maceration for some reds, which preserves a fresh, fruity character. He also uses whole cluster fermentation to add structure and a savory, herbal complexity. For his whites, he often employs extended aging on the lees (sur lie) in neutral barrels, which contributes a creamy texture and nutty complexity without overpowering the fruit.

  • Neutral Vessels: Fermentation and aging are carried out in neutral vessels, such as old French oak barrels, puncheons, and stainless steel tanks. This practice ensures that no new oak flavors interfere with the pure expression of the fruit and its terroir.

• Technical Achievements and Impact: James Jelks is a leading voice in the natural wine movement in California. His meticulous, yet low-intervention, approach has produced a range of compelling wines, from heritage field blends to distinct single-vineyard expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His work serves as a prime example of how technical skill, when combined with a minimalist philosophy, can produce wines of profound character and authenticity.

• Website: https://www.florezwines.com/