Just recently, I enjoyed dinner with good friends at the Navy Pier Marina in Chicago. An array of items including appetizers, sushi, Italian beef, salads, sides, and desserts were offered buffet-style to those of us with palates needing to be satiated after a few hours of boating, conversation, and laughter. Each of us, some wine aficionados and others who simply loved a good glass of our favorite beverage, brought a bottle of wine to share. Truth be told, this group is comprised of people who appreciate wine and those who simply know what they like. It was no surprise when my contribution, Pedroncelli 2022 Courage Zinfandel (sent to me as a sample) ($56), was the crowd favorite of those who tasted. Comments included “wow!,” “this is the best of the entire night,” “how can I get this?,” and more. Frankly, no one cared about tasting notes because this beauty was just as delicious with Italian beef as it was with sushi and salads! Of course, I felt compelled to share the story of Pedroncelli Winery, now entering its 100th year.
Pedroncelli Winery and Vineyards, located in the Dry Creek Valley in Geyserville, California is one of the first wineries in Sonoma County, having been founded by Giovanni and Julia Pedroncelli in 1927. Ninety acres of land were purchased for $11,000; on the property there was a home, twenty-five acres of vineyards, and a winery, firmly shuttered thanks to Prohibition. During this time, the family tended to the vines and sold grapes to home winemakers who, by law, were able to produce up to 200 gallons. Once Prohibition ended, the first official vintage was produced in 1934 when Pedroncelli sold bulk wines, often in barrels, to stores and individuals. Their own label began in the 1940s, a tedious and challenging era due to the World War II.
The 1950s heralded changes for the Pedroncelli family. Wines were entered into competitions, vineyards were expanded, and large tanks were added because of a heightened demand for wine. Simply stated, the family desired to make wine on a larger scale and increase production. Fast forward to the 1960s when the family took a new direction in the type of varietals and vineyards. Julie Pedroncelli St. John, President, explained that “while Zinfandel (their flagship wine), Zinfandel Rose, Riesling, and Pinot Noir were made prior to 1964. John and Jim Pedroncelli, brothers and second generation members, began to add even more to the portfolio. Cabernet Sauvignon was the first addition.” In fact, the Pedroncelli family was the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Dry Creek Valley.
In the early 1970s, more white than red wines were produced. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, French Colombard, Grey (and later Johannisberg) Riesling and Gewurtztraminer were popular during that time, although all but Chardonnay have been dropped from the portfolio currently. Now, more than two-thirds of the wines produced are red, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel comprising nearly 50% of estate vineyards.
“All in all, it was an exciting time for everyone in the industry. Our little valley was re-discovered and we experienced a renaissance in both vineyard planting and wineries. The demand for fine wines was in place and many families put their own roots down seeking to make wines from an area known for growing excellent fruit,” shared Julie Pedroncelli.
From the end of the 20th century into the next, innovation and enterprise have been fast and furious…while continuing to maintain the authenticity of the wines,” added Julie. Excerpt from Pedroncelli Winery and Vineyards: A 90 Year Legacy of Family and Wine
Photo Credit: www.pedroncelli.com
Guests at dinner were intrigued with the Pedroncelli story and amazed, given the wine landscape of today, that Pedroncelli Winery’s 100th year anniversary is on the horizon. A few wanted to learn more about the meaning of the name “Courage” and the wine itself, so our conversation lingered. Read on.
Only 585 cases have been produced of this award-winning wine from a single vineyard, Faloni Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. Courage infers “the confidence to act in accordance with one’s beliefs-for four generations. And it takes courage to be a farmer. Deciding where, how and what to plant in order to bring in the best quality grapes and taking on the challenges Mother Nature sends our way, deciding upon the labor intensive practices to get the best out of the vine, and picking at the perfect moment. All of this requires meticulous attention and courage.” Of course this sounds like the Pedroncelli family, but Dave and Dena Faloni of Faloni Vineyard are their neighbors and a three generation grape growing family located two miles west of Pedroncelli Winery; this wine is from grapes sourced from the Faloni Vineyards. The name “Courage” is an homage to the Faloni family’s tenacity and the wine’s bold expressions which reflect the family, the land, and the Zinfandel grape.
Although we did not dwell on the wine’s palate profile, I quietly noted that intense aromas included those of baking spice, ripe blackberries, and vanilla. Layered and textured with a brilliant balance of food friendly acidity and moderate tannins, flavors of fig, dark berries, more baking spice (with a dash of nutmeg) and pepper led to a fruit forward finish led to more accolades and another pour. It doesn’t take courage to pick up a bottle of this beauty, but it does take courage to persevere, no matter what you decide to accomplish. Perhaps a few sips of Pedroncelli 2022 Courage Zinfandel will inspire you to do just that.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
