Classico Vineyards Series: Gemini
The Willamette Valley is suited perfectly in every way for Pinot noir, with an abundance of beautiful growing sites. Ponzi Vineyards is lucky to farm some of the best at our Avellana, Aurora and Paloma vineyards. These sites are the foundation of our signature wine, the Classico Pinot Noir. To complete the blend and highlight all this region can produce, we work with area growers to source the finest fruit from nine additional exceptional vineyards. For our 2015 Classico blend, Winemaker Luisa Ponzi selected Gemini Vineyard to be among them.
Originally planted in 1995, this 15-acre vineyard sits on a south-facing slope in the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. At almost 500 feet of elevation, the soil is primarily Laurelwood--a deep, wind-blown loess topsoil over decomposed basalt--creates optimal conditions for sustainable farming at this LIVE-certified, Salmon Safe site.
Located west of Sherwood, Oregon, this meticulously farmed vineyard is notoriously the darkest fruit of each vintage; the clusters approaching black in color. The site gives fruit with the the happy balance of very high acidity at high Brix translating to structure and richness.
- Explore Luisa Ponzi’s 2015 Classico Pinot Noir and the eleven exceptional Vineyards she selected as Willamette Valley’s truest expression of that memorable year.
- 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.