Gather with Friends, Food, and Pedroncelli Winery Favorites

Every so often, the fine folks at Pedroncelli Winery in the Dry Creek Valley in Geyserville, California host a “taste-up”. At a specific moment in time, wine writers and other lovers of the grape are led by Ed Pedroncelli, General Manager, in a lively twitter chat about wines, sent as samples, and a suggested food pairing. Although I was invited to the most recent chat, I was unable to be present. Proving how thoughtful the Pedroncelli family is, I was sent three wines and the recipe, regardless of my absence. I’m thrilled that I had another opportunity to gather around my table with family for good conversation, easy drinking and affordable wines from Pedroncelli Winery, and tastes of something new and delicious.

2017 marked the 90^th anniversary of the inception and rich history of Pedroncelli Winery and Vineyards. One of the first wineries in Sonoma County, Pedroncelli was founded by Giovanni and Julia Pedroncelli in 1927. Ninety acres of land were purchased for $11,000; on the property was a home, twenty-five acres of vineyards, and a winery, firmly shuttered thanks to Prohibition. From these humble beginnings to now, innovation, technology, and family involvement have been mainstays. The result of these efforts is that fortunate consumers are able to enjoy authentic, quality wines that are carefully produced with real people in mind. For more about the Pedroncelli family and the history of the winery, please click here.

 

Sent to me were Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (with the most welcome suggestion to “drink this wine while you’re cooking”!), Pedroncelli Zinfandel Bushnell Vineyard 2016, and Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico 2016. For pairing, it was recommended to serve Grilled Italian Sausages with Cauliflower, Fennel, Red Onion, and Basil Gremolada, a favorite of Julie Pedroncelli who includes mouthwatering, wine-friendly recipes on the winery’s website. (You can find this recipe here.)

As Julie has mentioned in other “taste-ups”, the recipes are meant to be guidelines; in this case I considered substituting turkey sausage for the Italian sausage. But then again, what the heck? If Julie thinks the original recipe is terrific, I will too! Although I chose the mild version of Italian sausage, the flavors of garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, pine nuts, and salt in the Gremolada, drizzled over the grilled cauliflower and sausage, gave the entire dish a pop! What a delightful dinner on a breezy summer night!

But what about the wines for pairing? From their Eastside Vineyards, the Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($17) was just as refreshing as I expected. Sourced from the family’s estate vineyards and those of a nearby grower, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc burst with snappy acidity and expressed bright aromas and luscious flavors of lemons, limes, citrus, herbs, spice, and freshly mowed grass. The finish was persistent, as was my ability to pour another glass… And, yes, as suggested, I sipped the Sauvignon Blanc while prepping the dish and, with full disclosure, listening to my latest Pandora finds.

“Classico” is an apt name for the Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico 2016 ($19), a proprietary blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah from Dry Creek Valley. As the Pedroncelli family writes, “The classic style invites you to gather round the table as it becomes part of the meal not the centerpiece. It is the sharing of this wine with family and friends that defines it as a classic”. So true. Small vineyard parcels were chosen to “bring site specific qualities into focus within the blend”. On the nose, subtle aromas of black cherries, earth, red fruit, vanilla, and baking spice were well represented. Bursting with notes of blueberries, plums, oak, and spice, the wine, with its foundation of soft tannins and lively acidity, complemented the tangy Italian sausage. The Sonoma Classico was aged in new and seasoned American oak for 10 months.

Paired with the Grilled Italian Sausage dish that was rife with spice, the Pedroncelli Zinfandel 2016 ($26) was full-bodied and downright incredible. The Bushnell Vineyard has been a part of the Pedroncelli family for over 50 years; the property was purchased in 1943 and is still farmed by family members. Rich and broad aromas of red fruit, oak, cinnamon, and freshly ground black pepper were an enticing entry. Notes of black fruit, plums, vanilla, chocolate, and spice dominated the palate that was balanced with firm tannins, lovely acidity, and a long finish. The wine was aged for 16 months in American oak barrels, 40% of which was new. I can’t think of any reason why this Zinfandel shouldn’t be on your go-to list of wines for any occasion.

Your takeaway? Gather your friends and family, open an enjoyable bottle of Pedroncelli wine, and share a wonderful meal with a side of good conversation. Isn’t this what wine is all about? The Pedroncelli family thinks so.

Cheers! ~ Cindy