The purchase of 90 acres of hillside land in upper Sonoma County began the Pedroncelli family wine enterprise. 25 of those acres were in grapes. During prohibition the Pedroncelli family sold grapes to home winemakers. In 1934, newly licensed to produce commercial wine, John Pedroncelli Sr. began by selling wine in barrel to grocery stores and consumers. The occasional winery visitor could fill up a gallon jug with red or white “field blend” wine for 45 cents. For fifteen years the wine business slowly grew. Another small vineyard was acquired and redwood storage tanks increased capacity. More family members joined in the enterprise.
John Pedroncelli Jr. became winemaker in 1948 and the very next year he began to make a “varietal” Zinfandel that would actually be bottled and sold under the Pedroncelli label. As the enterprise matured and the volume of bottled wine increased John Jr.’s brother Jim joined up as sales director. Over the years additional prime acreage has been added and relationships with other independent growers have solidified. Now Pedroncelli has grown to offer a nicely balanced line of premium wines all sourced from vineyards within 10 miles of the original home vines and winery.
All of this has happened without flashy imported “flying winemakers” or exotic labeling and marketing magic. The Pedroncelli family farms grapes and makes wines with steady expertise and a gentle style. The resulting line-up includes some of California’s most food friendly and reliable wines, all at remarkable, reasonable prices. Without being flashy about it, the winery invariably ships individualistic wines, true to the land they come from. Every product rewards the consumer with good-old honest quality. Northampton Wines currently features the following:
Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon Three Vineyards $13.99 Blended with a bit of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, all from three vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. Friendly for Cabernet with just the right touch of oak. Ready to drink with the finest red meat dinners.
Pedroncelli Chardonnay $11.99 This Dry Creek Valley Chardonnay is sourced from the South end of the Valley near the Russian River. More fresh fruit than butter-bomb, this wine balances acidity, fruit flavor and a hint of oak. Youthful freshness for fish or fowl.
Pedroncelli Merlot Bench Vineyards $13.99 A hallmark of Dry Creek Valley’s rocky bench-lands, this is serious Merlot, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Full, tart cherry and berry character with a dry finish. Adaptable to most any red wine occasion.
Pedroncelli Pinot Noir $16.99 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir without the drama. Elegant wine with natural light coloring and good acidity. Cherry and spice combine to yield a great dinner time wine. Not tiring or overpowering, but intriguing with every sip.
Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc East Side Vineyards $11.99 Oak-free, fresh tasting Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of citrus (grapefruit), flowers, and light herbs. For all its light style the wine has a long finish. A perfect Aperitif, but fine with fish or fowl.
Pedroncelli Zinfandel Mother Clone $14.99 A combination of century old vines with plantings derived from these hardy original clones. Ripe blackberry, moderate spice, and a long, balanced finish. Perfect for casual meals, especially cook-outs.
Pedroncelli Port $17.99 Unusual for American “Port” in that it uses traditional port grape varieties harvested in a field blend. The grapes of varying style and maturity are fermented together on the skins, pressed at about 8% alcohol and fortified to about 19% with grape spirits. Robust dessert wine with cooked fruit nuances and rich texture.
03/09
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