Classico Vineyards Series: Paloma
In the Willamette Valley, it seems there’s a perfect spot for Pinot noir 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 Paloma Vineyard for its aromatics.
Planted in 2012, Paloma is a 15-acre vineyard planted at high elevation in the Chehalem Mountains. Home to Winemaker Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards and her husband, Winemaker Eric Hamacher of Hamacher Wines, Paloma was named for the numerous doves that live on the property.
“Luisa and I were always on the lookout for the ideal vineyard site,” says Hamacher, “and as we would pass this property I had developed a bit of a mantra: it’s such a shame that is an orchard--it would be a perfect vineyard! In 2008, we learned of the passing of the hazelnut farmer and we called the daughter. As they say, the rest is history. As it turns out, it is the perfect vineyard and home site! Along with 15 acres in vines, we have an additional 25 devoted to pasture for our Scottish Highlander cattle and our chickens, pigs, bees and our four kids who all enjoy this beautiful place as much as we do.”
Situated on a beautiful east-facing slope, Paloma is defined by its high elevation and slower growth. The later ripening causes thicker skins that give both more and riper, mature tannins. This leads to dark, concentrated wines with fuller structure and brilliant acidity. Paloma is planted Clonal MassaleTM, a technique developed by Luisa Ponzi in which a mix of more than two dozen clones are planted at random. The wines tend toward great complexity with each clone playing its part, much like a symphony as opposed to a solo.
“One of my favorite things about the property is that Mt. Hood is front and center to the east,” says Ponzi. “Watching the sunrise as it moves across the horizon seasonally, from one side of Mt. Hood to the other, winter solstice to summer solstice, tells you where you are. It feels very comforting.”
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.