Celebrating 90 Years Of Pedroncelli Wine #ped90th

*samples provided & recipe*

Its always fun to help celebrate milestones with wineries but even better when the fun lasts all year. Happy 90th Pedroncelli Wines and to many more. Tonight's festivities included tasters from the east coast, midwest, south midwest and west coast. Ed you need to stop inviting Thea....she tries to show off LOL

The family has farmed for 90 years in the Dry Creek Valley with many generations learning the family craft. They take things a step farther preserving the land for their future generations. Yes you guessed correctly sustainable farming.

It all began back in 1927 with the purchase of 25 acres planted on a hillside outside of Geyserville. In 1934 the family applies for a winemaking license and starts selling wine to stores and families. Think about a bottle today and tell me if you would trade by going back in time, driving up to the winery, and filling a gallon bottle for $0.45. Pick me pick me. Then in 1949 the first Zinfandel is bottled under the Pedroncelli label. In 1954 they were one of the first wineries to use the Sonoma County Appelation. Over the next several years more varietals are produced, more acres purchased and the sons purchase the winery and begin their journey. We will continue this section on our next post.

We started the evening off cooking the recipe provided Feta and Kalamata Lemon Chicken paired with the first wine of the evening Pedroncelli Eastside Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. I on the other hand became wrapped up in the wines and burnt the dish. I remade the following evening (still not my best effort) and thought the wine worked really well. The melon complimented the lemon and feta on the chicken nicely even on day 2.

Up first was the 2016 Eastside Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. Pressed, cold soaked and fermented in stainless steel and bottled shortly after harvest to showcase the fruit of the vineyard. Bright and crisp the succulent melon intertwines with a subtle tart grapefruit and lemongrass. You had me at melon my friends.

Wine 2 is the 2016 Dry Rose Of Zinfandel. Made from 100% free run juice and fermented in stainless steel, this dry rose' just dances across the palate. Strawberry and cherry with hints of orange zest and floral notes. A kiss of spice on the finish compliments the fruit. Drink this rose for any occasion.

Final wine of the evening the 2015 Alto Vineyards Sangiovese. After the first sip I was walking around the house talking like the godfather. Ripe cherry and red berry clusters with hints of baking spice and toasted vanilla. Jammy with well defined tannins. Loved this wine.

I was honored to taste and help celebrate with a group of tasters who are rockstars in wine. Ed and Robert thank you for including me in this stellar tasting. Folks check out all the twitter chatter at #ped90th and enjoy.

Cheers
Dan