Inconnu

Inconnu

California, United States

About Inconnu

Inconnu Wine is a California-based winery founded in 2012 by Laura Brennan Bissell. The winery is focused on producing wines that reflect the subtlety and elegance possible in California, through a combination of thoughtful terroir selection and respect for classical winemaking philosophies.

Brennan Bissell is committed to working with organic and regeneratively farmed vineyards, seeking out cooler climates and areas with greater diurnal shifts, complex soil compositions, and family-owned parcels. In the cellar, she takes a gentle approach, allowing the fruit to express itself without heavy-handed interventions. Patience and a soft touch are key, as she believes these solve problems more effectively than excessive manipulation.

Inconnu's wines are driven by acidity and minerality, while embracing the perfect ripeness that California's climate can provide. They showcase a balance and constancy, without shying away from physiological ripeness. Brennan Bissell avoids new oak, preferring 2-3 year old barrels, and meticulously tops up the barrels to prevent oxidation.

For Brennan Bissell, winemaking is a synesthetic experience that engages all the senses. She is guided by a "quiet optimism" and a desire to distill her wines into a poetic form, rather than dissecting them clinically. Inconnu aims to offer an authentic expression of California terroir, through thoughtful, minimalist winemaking practices.

Additional Details:

Producer: Inconnu
Varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Labor Practices: Inconnu Wines takes a thoughtful approach to labor practices, emphasizing respect for workers and regenerative farming methods. Laura Brennan Bissell works closely with Mimi Casteel, considered a guru of regenerative agriculture for vineyards, to implement sustainable farming practices that support worker welfare. Brennan Bissell focuses on working with organic and regeneratively farmed vineyards, reflecting her commitment to ethical and environmentally-friendly practices. She seeks out family-owned parcels and places that "just feel right," suggesting a focus on working with smaller, ethical growers. Inconnu's wines are made with minimal intervention and gentle cellar practices, avoiding excessive labor demands often required in conventional winemaking. As a newer producer, Brennan Bissell prioritizes making decisions for the long-term sustainability of her business over short-term profits, implying ethical labor is a core value.
Sustainable Practices: Inconnu sources grapes from organic and regeneratively farmed parcels in California, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance. Inconnu seeks out cooler climates with greater diurnal temperature shifts and complex soil compositions to achieve a more nuanced expression of terroir. In the cellar, they use older barrels, indigenous yeast fermentation, and minimal intervention to allow the fruit to express itself naturally. Inconnu ages their wines until they are ready for release, ensuring optimal quality and reflecting their dedication to long-term quality. Their sustainable practices minimize environmental impact while producing high-quality wines, demonstrating their commitment to responsible winemaking.