Ponzi Blog
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.
Feb 1, 2019 at 1:42 PM
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Classico Vineyards Series: Sufi
The Willamette Valley has become synonymous with world-class Pinot noir, with a perfect spot for the varietal seemingly around every corner. Ponzi Vineyards farms some of the best at our Avellana, Aurora and Madrona sites, which form the foundation of our signature Classico Pinot Noir. To enhance the blend and showcase 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 the 2015 Classico blend, she selected Sufi Vineyard for its aromatics.
Named after the ancient culture of Persian monks, who relinquished their material possessions in the pursuit of divinity, Sufi was planted in 2009, making it one of the younger vineyards in the Classico blend. Located on Bald Peak in the Willamette Valley’s Chehalem Mountains, this is a high-elevation site resting between 600-800 feet. On a clear day, it has gorgeous panoramic views of Portland, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. It is LIVE certified and Salmon Safe.
The soil type at Sufi is Laurelwood, a fertile loess formed by windblown silt during the last Ice Age. Laurelwood soil famously lends spicy and bright fruit flavors when vines are young, and earthy, blue fruit flavors when the vines get older and the roots tap into the basalt layer underneath. They grow the Pommard clone of Pinot noir; combined with the elevation, cooler days and nights, and the Laurelwood soil, the result is a fruit that is spicy and dark, with loads of pepper on the nose, which it lends to our Classico blend.
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.
Nov 15, 2018 at 12:22 PM
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Classico Vineyards Series: Bieze
In the Willamette Valley, 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 Bieze Vineyard for its aromatics.
The Bieze Family has owned their property outside of Salem, Oregon, for 35 years. Previously, it was planted with fir trees, a prune orchard, and a few walnut and holly trees. In 2008, the sloping hillsides were planted with a visually striking vineyard.
The soil foundation of the vineyard is formed by Ritner and Nekia soils. Volcanic formations laid down these soils, which vary somewhat in their composition. Nekia soil is a silty clay loam and is found on Bieze’s more steeply sloped areas. Ritner soil is a gravelly silty clay loam and is present on the more gently sloped areas. Both soil types are naturally well-drained, yet shallow, and the minerality of the site is well expressed in the fruit and wines produced there.
Located in the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Bieze benefits from cool breezes that flow across the site from the Van Duzer Corridor to the west. The sunny days with cool evening breezes create perfect conditions for developing fruit with full flavors and intriguing aromatics of chili pepper, chocolate and spice that make it an exceptional addition to the Ponzi Classico Pinot Noir blend.
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.
Aug 10, 2018 at 10:43 PM
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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.
Jul 23, 2018 at 10:01 PM
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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.
Jul 17, 2018 at 9:51 AM
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Classico Vineyards Series: Aurora
Pinot noir loves the Willamette Valley. It seems there is a perfect spot for this varietal 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, 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 Aurora Vineyard for its fruit intensity.
Named for its stunning view of the sunrise, Aurora was originally planted in 1991. This 80-acre vineyard has it all: old vines, lots of sunlight and Laurelwood soil on a Southeast-facing slope in the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. At 300-600 feet of elevation, this vineyard builds on experiments done at other Ponzi sites. It features numerous comparative plantings, rootstock studies, clones and spacing variations. One of the most notable plantings is an exact duplicate of the Ponzi Abetina vineyard, planted in 2005, called Abetina 2. Those plantings comprise a collection now preserved on rootstock on the same soil, elevation and aspect as the original block. Aurora is also a LIVE-certified site.
All of this adds up to a vineyard that shows incredible consistency year after year, producing fruit with big, spicy flavors and beautiful tannins that act as the backbone of our Classico blend.
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.
Jun 29, 2018 at 4:11 PM
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Classico Vineyards Series: Alloro
The Willamette Valley is perfectly suited in every way for Pinot noir. There is 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 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, 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 Alloro Vineyard for its remarkable fruit intensity.
Originally planted in 1999, this 34-acre vineyard sweeps across a west-to-east southern aspect on Laurel Ridge in the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. At 450-700 feet of elevation, the Laurelwood soil--a deep, wind-blown loess topsoil over decomposed basalt--creates optimal conditions for sustainable dry farming at this LIVE certified site.
Alloro’s growers have a philosophy of seeking “purity of flavor” in their grapes, meaning all of their growing practices are designed to draw out the site’s true personality. Beginning early in the growing season, they predict the year’s weather patterns and plan for canopy and crop-load management techniques that will encourage proper development.
The abundance of older vines and lots of sun in the afternoon make for the dark, lush fruit flavors in our Classico blend.
“As a grower, we have enjoyed working with the Ponzi Family and the Ponzi Vineyards team for over 15 years," says David Nemarnik of Alloro Vineyars. "Luisa makes us feel like family! The quality of Ponzi’s Classico Pinot noir shows the passion and attention to detail that goes into crafting such well-made Oregon wine!”
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.
Jun 22, 2018 at 3:25 PM
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