Classico Vineyards Series: Avellana
Pinot noir loves the Willamette Valley with a perfect spot for this varietal seemingly around every corner. Ponzi Vineyards is lucky to farm some of the best at our Avellana, Aurora and Madrona vineyards. These sites are the foundation of our signature wine, the Classico Pinot Noir. To complete the blend and truly highlight what this region can produce, we work with area growers to source the finest fruit from exceptional vineyards. When sourcing from these growers and from our own vineyards, second-generation Winemaker Luisa Ponzi looks for fruit that contributes the desired aromatics, structure or fruit intensity to complement her vision for the vintage. For our 2015 Classico blend, she selected our own Avellana Vineyard for its aromatics.
Planted in 2006, Avellana is one of our younger vineyards in the Classico blend. After 40 years of viticultural experimentation, this vineyard was selected for its northwest-facing slope and rich Laurelwood soil. The Pinot noir blocks have been planted Clonal Massale™, a technique developed by Luisa Ponzi in which a mix of two dozen clones are planted at random. This vineyard also shares the site with our winery and tasting room.
The unique Clonal Massale™ planting method yields more interesting and consistent wines despite vintage variability, enabling Avellana to achieve a richness of flavor and aroma usually associated with older vineyards.
“Each clone has a personality,” says Ponzi. “When many are combined in a single block, the multitude of characteristics naturally brings complexity and dimension to the wines. By planting these clones at random, like wildflowers, it further relinquishes the question of clone and focuses fully on the terroir of a site.”
Get a bottle of Classico Pinot Noir for yourself. The dusty tannins, hints of roasted coffee and mouthwatering acidity are balanced by almond sweetness. Pairs beautifully with food.
About the Classico Series
Our Classico Pinot Noir is blended from 100% Pinot noir sourced from the exceptional sites throughout the Willamette Valley with Ponzi’s most established vineyards at its base. The result is a classic New World expression of Oregon Pinot noir with nuances and flavors that are a hallmarks of the region’s varied soils and cool climate. Follow along as we explore some of the vineyards chosen by Winemaker Luisa Ponzi as the truest expressions of the vintage.