Wine With Wanda

Ponzi Vineyards Celebrates 50 Years of Innovative Winemaking in Oregon

 

Anna Maria Ponzi
Co-owner, President and Director of Sales & Marketing for Ponzi Vineyards 

Second generation vintner Anna Maria Ponzi, of Ponzi Vineyards, had no shortage of exciting news to share during our recent Instagram Live chat. Her parents, Dick and Nancy Ponzi, uprooted their family in the late 1960s to pursue a dream of producing world-class Pinot Noir. True pioneers, the Ponzis were among the first to see the potential of Oregon's Willamette Valley to produce wines of exceptional quality and character. They founded their namesake winery in 1970, and fifty years later their well-earned reputation as one of America's finest and most innovative wineries is stronger than ever. 

Watch the video of my chat with Anna Maria above, on YouTube, or on Instagram to learn more about the Ponzi family's winemaking journey. Anna Maria also shared info about her new memoir, Pinot Girl: A Family. A Region. An Industry. We also discussed the new Laurelwood District AVA; the Ponzi family played a pivotal role in the establishment of this latest American Viticultural Area within the Willamette Valley.

“They described Pinot Noir as a thoughtful wine saying something about how it didn’t call attention to itself–instead it quietly seduced the drinker with its hints of black cherry, mild cigar, and cedar. They would go on and on about how one sip invited complex flavors into the mouth and how hints of earth, mushroom, plum, meat, and truffles could be detected. It all sounded pretty weird to us. We just giggled and made faces when they described how wine tasted like food.” - excerpt from Pinot Girl

Maria's sister, Luisa, assumed winemaking duties from their father in 1993 and Ponzi Vineyards is the nation’s only winery solely owned and operated by second generation sisters.

During our conversation we tasted Ponzi Chardonnay Reserve 2016 ($42) and Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve 2016 ($65). Both wines are beautifully balanced, expressive, and elegant. Maria shared wonderful tasting notes during our chat. You can also click the wine bottle images to view the detailed descriptions on the Ponzi website. 

 

Let the Rosé Flow: Three Terrific Pink Wines from Virginia, Provence, and Oregon

Can you even imagine summer without rosé? Luckily, we don't have to! Rosé wines are delicious year-round but there's no denying that these flirty pink sips are particularly suited to the sunny and carefree vibe of the summer season. Pretty and refreshing, rosé wines are a fun way to explore new regions and grapes. I plan on taking my taste buds on a delicious rosé journey all summer long and will keep you updated with short reviews of my favorites. Cheers! 

Early Mountain Rosé 2018 ($25) is a juicy and fresh blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. Bone dry but bursting with vibrant red berry and citrus flavors and zippy acidity, this elegant rosé has pizzazz. If you’re not familiar with Virginia wines, Early Mountain is a charming introduction.

No rosé tasting is complete without taking your palate on a journey to the place that started the world's pink wine obsession - Provence! Berne "Inspiration" Côtes de Provence Rosé 2018 ($20) is a chic and tasty example of a classic Provençal rosé. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, this dry but fruity wine captivates the taste buds with luscious red berry flavors and lively hints of lavender, basil, and thyme. Take a sip, close your eyes, and imagine yourself in the south of France! 

 

Are you ready for a glass of Oregon ooh la la? Chehalem Rosé of Pinot Noir 2018 ($25) is the perfect summer sip. Renowned for their superb Pinot Noir, Chehalem's rosé is more playful but equally impressive. Delicate but not wimpy, with lovely soft red fruit flavors and juicy acidity, this flirty rosé has style and substance.

It's a Family Affair: Second Generation Oregon Winemakers Unite to Create a Limited-Edition Pinot Noir

 

Meet 2GV (Second Generation Vintners)! Alison Sokol Blosser, Adam Campbell, Luisa Ponzi, Maria Ponzi, Anna Campbell, and Alex Sokol Blosser.

No 2GV isn't a hot new pop band, it's the acronym for Second Generation Vintners -- an exciting collaboration between three of Oregon's most respected wineries. Known as the Oregon Originals,  Elk Cove Vineyards, Ponzi Vineyards, and Sokol Blosser Winery were all started in the Willamette Valley in the 1970's with a desire to produce world-class Pinot Noir. By all accounts they have succeeded. Not only has each winery garnered acclaim for their wines but they have also played a pivotal role in elevating Oregon's reputation as a prestigious winemaking region. Today each winery is being led by second generation siblings. Yes, the wine business is competitive but along with winemaking and management skills, the 2GV parents also imparted valuable lessons about the importance of collaboration.  

The final blend of the 2GV Oregon Originals Pinot Noir Cuvée is 36% Ponzi, 32% Elk Cove, and 32% Sokol Bosser. 300 cases were bottled, half of which were donated to charity and the remaining bottles are available for sale at $100 each. Click here to purchase. 

How many winemakers would be willing to share grapes from their finest vineyard with a competitor? That's exactly what the 2GV team did. Sharing their very best Pinot Noir grapes with each other, the 2GV team collaborated to create a single Pinot Noir wine.


A view of the individual Pinot Noir wines created by each 2GV member. Each of these 9 wines was then considered for the final blend. 

I was really impressed by the camaraderie between winemakers Luisa Ponzi, Adam Campbell, and Alex Sokol Blosser. It shows tremendous faith, respect, and humility to share your finest grapes with another winemaker, give them the freedom to process those grapes in their own way, and then come together as a group to honestly evaluate each other’s efforts.

At the end of that daunting process, the winemakers worked together to come up with a harmonious blend. The 2017 2GV Oregon Originals Pinot Noir Cuvée captures a bit of each winery’s essence to create something unique, elegant, and delicious. The wine is fresh and vibrant with intense red fruit flavors, lively acidity, and a precise structure that will age beautifully. Visit the 2GV website to learn more. 

And if you want to learn more about wines from Oregon, May is Oregon Wine Month. Events include the Oregon Wine Trail tasting in NYC on May 6, 2019 at the Altman Building. The cost is $85 per person and the impressive list of participating wineries includes 2GV member, Elk Cove Vineyards. 

Love, Land, Legacy: The Knudsen Family's Wine Roots Run Deep in Oregon

The beautiful landscape of Knudsen Vineyards even inspired Oregon's "Wine Country" license plate! 

Oregon wines are all the rage now but that wasn't the case in 1971 when C. Calvert "Cal" and Julia Lee Knudsen purchased a 200-acre former walnut orchard in the heart of the Dundee Hills. True trailblazers, the Knudsens planted 30 acres of vines in 1972 and it became the largest vineyard in the Willamette Valley. In 1976, Knudsen partnered with legendary winemaker Dick Erath and built the first commercial winery in the Dundee Hills. For more than a decade, Knudsen Erath Winery produced wines until the dissolution of the partnership in 1987. However, that did not mark the end of Knudsen's role in winemaking and the family invested in Argyle Winery, where they maintain a grape supply and vineyard management relationship. 

Vintage bottle of Knudsen Erath Pinot Noir from 1983 - a delicious collector's item! 

Now the second generation of the family is moving their winemaking legacy forward and the four Knudsen siblings have formed Knudsen Vineyards. Showing how the wine industry has dramatically grown in Oregon, Knudsen's 130 planted acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay now make them one of the smaller wineries in the state. However, few can compete with the Knudsen family's important role in Oregon's viticultural history and the historical significance of their Willamette Valley vineyard. 

"It is an honor for my brothers and me to carry on our parents' vision for Oregon winemaking." - Page Knudsen Cowles, Managing Partner

Page Knudsen Cowles beams when she speaks of her admiration and appreciation for what her parents created almost 50 years ago.  She and her three brothers (Colin, David, and Cal) have a strong connection to their land. To ensure that it remains healthy for the following generations, Knudsen Vineyards is certified sustainable. 

But what did Cal Knudsen see in Willamette Valley all those years ago that inspired him to take a leap of faith? Passionate about the iconic wines of Burgundy and Champagne, Cal was convinced that Willamette's similar climate, topography, and sedimentary soils could also produce wines of exceptional quality. He certainly has been proven right. Wines from Oregon, especially Willamette, are critically acclaimed for their elegance and terroir-driven style. How poetic that Cal Knudsen was inspired by France and today several prominent French winemakers are producing wines in Willamette Valley!

Current offerings from Knudsen Vineyards focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wines certainly have an Old World quality where the essence of the fruit and terroir are clearly expressed, instead of heavy-handed winemaking. 


Juicy and zingy Knudsen Vineyards Chardonnay 2015 ($45) is rich and robust but still demonstrates impressive restraint and balance. Ten months in French oak add a warm hint of vanilla and spice to its vibrant citrus, pear, and crisp green apple flavors. Ever-so-slightly creamy, with a long finish, this Chardonnay is charming now and has enough structure to keep aging gracefully. (2016 vintage is also available). 

Finicky Pinot Noir is known as the "heartbreak grape"but winemakers can't resist the challenge. Perhaps more than any other red wine grape, Pinot Noir has the uncanny ability to transmit the ineffable qualities of terroir. Knudsen Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 ($55) meticulously balances poise and playfulness. Clearly inspired by Burgundy in its direct communication of fruit and earth, there is also a charming thread of American exuberance in its hints of spice, juicy & ripe red cherries, and supple tannins. 

Knudsen's petite but precise portfolio stands up to their impressive legacy and I certainly look forward to following this new chapter of the family's winemaking journey. If your travels take you to Oregon, contact Knudsen to schedule a visit. 

Beyond Burgundy: Pretty Fabulous Pinot Noir from Argentina, Oregon, and New Zealand

Considered the pinnacle of Pinot Noir, the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region of France is revered for elegant, ethereal, and expressive wines that stand the test of time. Often referred to as the heartbreak grape, Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned diva who requires constant attention and is very particular about where it will grow. Burgundy's cool climate and soil composition provide ideal conditions for fussy Pinot Noir grapes. Old World Burgundy may be the queen bee when it comes to Pinot Noir but many New World regions are making incredible wines from this demanding grape that really tests the skill (and patience) of a winemaker. (Wine Spectator defines the traditional winemaking regions of Europe as Old World and regions such as the United States, New Zealand, and South America as New World. These terms can also refer to the style of wine.) Recently, I tasted three wonderful Pinot Noir wines from Argentina, Oregon, and New Zealand that show the New World has what it takes to make wonderful wines from this challenging grape.   



BARDA by Bodega Chacra, Pinot Noir 2015 ($29.99)
Patagonia, Argentina

It was absolutely love at first sip with this exquisite Pinot Noir from the very Southern Hemisphere. When it comes to reds, Malbec reigns supreme in Argentina but Bodega Chacra focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir and their commitment has paid off beautifully. With picky Pinot Noir grapes, location is everything and Bodega Chacra's vineyards are located in the Río Negro Valley area of northern Patagonia, roughly equidistant from the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, in a pristine area with no pollution and ideal climatic conditions. This freshness and purity is a definitive trait of BARDA. Supple but not lazy, this is a Pinot Noir of exceptional grace and balance. Subtle but not shy, precise but not austere; BARDA is a joyful wine with beautiful red fruit flavors and hints of spice, tea leaves, and earth. BARDA displays depth and maturity but it isn't stodgy - this Pinot Noir absolutely soars. I only have two regrets with BARDA - that I didn't open it sooner and we finished the bottle way too quickly! 


Roserock Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2014 ($38)
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

Fans of Burgundy are very familiar with the Drouhin name - the family has been producing superb Pinot Noir in the region for more than a century. Thirty years ago, they recognized the potential to also create world-class Pinot Noir in Oregon and launched Domaine Drouhin Oregon in 1987. Location is of utmost importance for Pinot Noir grapes and Roserock is located at the southern tip of the Eola-Amity Hills in the Willamette Valley. The cool climate, elevation, and ancient volcanic soils are a winning formula for the demands of Pinot Noir. Of course, once pristine grapes are harvested, the winemaker must exercise precision and intuition to create a wine that expresses the fruit and the terroir. Roserock succeeds in this endeavor and captures the spirit of Domaine Drouhin Oregon's motto "French Soul, Oregon Soil." Elegant and fruit-forward, Roserock opens up beautifully to reveal balanced flavors of cherry, dark berries, and an appealing hint of wild flowers, and rich earth.



Invivo Pinot Noir 2014 ($25) 
Central Otago, New Zealand 

Very new to the scene, Invivo launched in 2008 and the founders describe their wines as being "made from grapes, time, and two maxed out credit cards." Clearly, we're not in Burgundy anymore! From those humble beginnings, Invivo has quickly made a name for itself and is now one of the world's fastest growing wine brands - from just 12,000 bottles in 2014 to 1.5 million in 2017. Fruit-forward with a hint of sweetness, Invivo is a more modern and New World style of wine that is very approachable and a nice option for everyday sipping. Silky with flavors of sweet cherries and a touch of toast, this is a down-to-earth wine that shows the more playful side of Pinot Noir.  

 

 

Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Winemakers: Wine is a Family Affair at Fullerton

  Two generations bound by love of family and wine - Alex and Eric Fullerton of Fullerton Wines.

Don't be alarmed if you encounter a pre-schooler swirling his sippy cup like it's a fine pinot noir - you may be in the presence of a future winemaker. Alex Fullerton's teachers may have been startled by his precocious milk swirling, but his wine-loving  parents knew that he was simply emulating their actions. Today, a grown-up Alex is the winemaker for his family's boutique winery, Fullerton Wines, in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Founded in 2012, Fullerton Wines is truly a family affair that celebrates the beauty of wine and honors their northern European heritage. Eric, the patriarch of the family is of Danish descent and Susanne, the matriarch, is from Sweden. The family's journeys through Old World wine regions such as Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy had a profound impact on Alex and he officially started his career in winemaking as a cellar hand in Oregon for Penner-Ash Wine Cellars and Bergström Wines. Currently finishing his viticulture and enology degree at Oregon State University, Alex is also getting plenty of hands-on experience in the family business. "Chardonnay is my love. Pinot is my other love," said Eric, and the Fullerton portfolio beautifully showcases these varietals.   

I recently had the pleasure of tasting several wines in the Fullerton Wines portfolio with Eric and Alex over a dinner of modern Scandinavian cuisine at Aska restaurant (two Michelin stars) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. But you don't have to indulge in haute cuisine to enjoy Fullerton Wines - their unpretentious elegance pairs just as beautifully with home cooked meals.  


Three Otters Chardonnay 2014 ($20)
Drawing inspiration from the three otters that have rested prominently on the Fullerton family crest since the 13th century (and as a tattoo on winemaker Alex's upper-arm), Fullerton's Three Otters wines are fun and fruit-forward. Produced with grapes from Northern Willamette Valley, this vibrant and crisp Chardonnay dances across the palate with fresh flavors of green apple, citrus, and a hint of herbs.  

Five FACES Pinot Noir 2013 ($33)
Displaying impressive finesse and texture, this elegant Pinot Noir balances flavors of fresh cherry and strawberry with a thread of earthiness that adds depth. Vibrant acidity and soft tannins add additional complexity to this superb sip. FACES is an acronym for the five Fullerton family members (Filip, Alex, Caroline, Eric, and Susanne). 

Croft Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 ($45)
Taking their love of Pinot Noir to the next level, Fullerton also produces several single-vineyard selections. My favorite of the evening was this silky, intense, juicy, and peppery sip from the Croft Vineyard. A beautifully balanced and supple wine with an approachable complexity, Croft is rich and refreshing with layers of flavor and lively acidity. 

Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 ($60)
Momtazi is no meek little Pinot Noir. Like an opera diva, Momtazi boldly hits all the notes and is impossible to ignore. It is often said that Pinot Noir is unsurpassed in its ability to express terroir and the Momtazi Vineyard has imprinted its essence on these grapes and imbued them with astounding complexity. Rich flavors of Persian spices, black truffle, licorice, and green olive interact beautifully with this Pinot Noir's intense red berry and currant flavors.


 Meet the Fullerton family - Filip, Susanne, Eric, Alex, and Caroline. 
image courtesy of Fullerton Wines

Not even 30-years-old, Alex Fullerton brings impressive maturity and passion to his winemaking. Alex's talent combined with the experience and support of his family are a powerful combination. I look forward to following the Fullerton family's wine adventures for many years to come! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sipping Pretty: Arneis with an American Flair from Ponzi Vineyards in Oregon

To know Arneis is to love it. The problem is that too few people know about this delicious white wine from Piedmont in northern Italy. Arneis is rarely grown outside of Piedmont, so I was absolutely thrilled to learn that Ponzi Vineyards produces Arneis at their estate in Oregon's Northern Willamette Valley. Who knew? Arneis thrives in the cool-climate of Ponzi's Aurora vineyard atop a slope of the Chehalem Mountains and produces a juicy and robust wine with vibrant flavors of melon, pear, and a hint of tropical fruit. This beauty has a lingering finish with a touch of minerality. Shake things up and take a detour from Pinot Grigio with Ponzi Arneis 2015 ($32) - it is an elegant and satisfying sip that is far from boring. Cheers! 

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Wonderful Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

As summer languidly transitions to autumn, I've been having quite the love affair with Pinot Noir from Oregon's Willamette Valley. Elegant and supple, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is the perfect bridge between chilled rosés and hearty reds. Here are three of my favorites from the region - give them a swirl! 

Résonance Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 ($65) is acclaimed French winemaker Louis Jadot's first project outside of France and this sophisticated Pinot Noir beautifully expresses the finesse of Burgundy and the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley. Silky and exquisitely structured, lovely cherry and blackberry flavors are balanced by a hint of space and mellow earthiness. 


Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir 2014 ($27)
The Ponzi family's lovely wines were my introduction to the wonders of the Willamette Valley and their Tavola Pinot Noir is one of my absolute favorites. Luscious flavors of plum and black cherry are gently revved up by hints of mint and white pepper. 

Pike Road Pinot Noir 2014 ($19)
Pretty and vibrant, this juicy Pinot Noir has lively flavors of cherry, strawberry, and an appealing earthy and dry finish. Delightfully refreshing!

 

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Oregon in Your Glass: The Wines of Stoller Family Estate

The vineyards at Stoller Family Estate
image credit: Mike Haverkate

Not only is Oregon one of the premier winemaking destinations in the United States, the wines have earned global acclaim in recognition of their exceptional quality. Stoller Family Estate is a name that you're bound to see on any list of excellent wines from Oregon. The largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon’s Dundee Hills, Bill Stoller founded the vineyard in 1993 on property that has been in his family since 1943. Stoller wines are produced from 100% estate grown fruit and their sustainably built and environmentally friendly winery was the first in the world to receive LEED Gold Certification. Described as authentically Oregon, I found the Stoller wines that I sampled to be quite expressive and elegant. Cheers to winemaker Melissa Burr!


"I strive to make wine that exemplifies the uniqueness of the vineyard and reflect the vintage with balance and elegance. Our Pinot Noir characteristically expresses a combination of red to darker fruits, spice, and fine-grain tannins. The volcanic soil, elevation, exposure, and weather of our Dundee Hills site all combine to create the perfect conditions for growing cool-climate wine grapes." - Winemaker Melissa Burr. She joined Stoller in 2003.
Image credit: Carolyn Wells-Kramer


Stoller Reserve Chardonnay inspired me to strum a few tunes on my guitar!

Stoller 2013 Reserve Chardonnay ($35)
Aromatic and vibrant, this expressive sip shows that Chardonnay does not have to be boring. Barrel fermented and aged in French oak, this medium-bodied wine is complex but not overwhelming. Lively notes of lemon, persimmon, and apple are balanced by a subtle touch of vanilla and minerality. The finish is long and smooth. Suggested pairings include seafood or poultry with cream-based sauces.


Stoller 2013 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir ($30)
A truly enjoyable wine, this pretty Pinot Noir has incredibly expressive flavors of red cherry with a touch of cinnamon and cola that make it quite intriguing. Elegant but not fussy, it is easy to pair with a wide array of foods from salmon to pork.



Stoller 2013 Reserve Pinot Noir ($45)
Produced from a selection of their best vineyard blocks and barrels in the cellar, this beauty is barrel aged in French oak for 10 months. I shared this bottle with a notoriously picky friend and he was absolutely enchanted. Refined but not fussy, I loved the flavors of ripe raspberry and roses that were balanced by a wonderful earthiness. Suggested pairings include roasted salmon, filet mignon, and soft cheeses.


If you're planning a trip to Oregon, Stoller has a tasting room with stunning vineyard views and guest houses for overnight stays.

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Ponzi Vineyards Makes Pinot Noir with Panache

One of my personal pet peeves with Pinot Noir is that the wines are often pretty but not terribly exciting. Well, Ponzi Vineyards in Oregon's Willamette Valley has shown me, once again, that Pinot Noir can be lovely AND sexy. Celebrating their 45th anniversary, Ponzi Vineyards is family owned & managed and a leading American producer of Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Luisa Ponzi represents the second generation of the Ponzi family. She celebrated her 20th vintage in 2013.

To get started, I recommend swirling a glass of 2014 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir ($25). Silky and juicy with luscious flavors of plum and black cherry, the wine also has vibrant hints of pepper and mint that make it quite expressive. Tavola means table in Italian and this is a food-friendly wine that will pair nicely with everything from roast chicken to steak and pasta. If you want to take your Pinot tasting to the next level, 2013 Ponzi Pinot Noir ($40) is a balanced explosion of flavor - dark chocolate, cherry, pepper, and cranberry. Silky and light-bodied with a lingering finish, this elegant wine is Ponzi's flagship Pinot Noir. Ponzi Pinot Noir is the antithesis of boring!

If you're planning a visit to Oregon, Ponzi welcomes visitors at their winery, tasting room, and restaurant.

images courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards

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