Ponzi Blog

Best of Class

2016 Ponzi Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs

What is a single vineyard designated wine? For Ponzi Vineyards, it is a cuvée which showcases the finest fruit of the vintage from a single site. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi hand-selects Pinot noir that exhibits complexity, depth, richness and overall completeness in barrel.

From the 2016 vintage, she selected the following outstanding sites to be featured as single vineyard designates: Ponzi Abetina 2 and Madrona Vineyards, as well as two of Ponzi’s growers; Linda Vista and Wahle Vineyards.

Taste the best of 2016

2016 Ponzi Abetina 2 Pinot Noir
“Bramble berry, chocolate, basil, rose petal and blackberry mingle with fresh aromatics of sea air and oyster shell. The mouth is generous and full with notes of cassis, creamy dulce de leche, nutmeg, hazelnuts and plum preserves. Balanced acidity and fine tannins bring structure and length to the long finish.” –Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Offered at $107/bottle  | $268/magnum
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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2016 Ponzi Madrona Pinot Noir
“A striking nose of warm spice: cardamom, star anise, clove, cinnamon stick and vanilla, is laced with savory notes of coriander, rosemary and fir needle. The mouth follows with molasses and gingersnap, spice cake and cola. The juicy acidity, salinity and chalky tannins keep the palate fresh and the finish long with a lingering spiciness.” –Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Offered at $107/bottle  | $268/magnum
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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2016 Ponzi Vigneto I Pinot Noir
Featuring Linda Vista Vineyard
“This spicy nose of nutmeg, cracked black peppercorn, brandied cherries and Mexican hot chocolate is laced with hints of warm brioche and pomegranate. The palate has caramel, nougat, honeycomb and bright cherry laced through with delicate acidity and lingering lush tannins.” –Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Offered at $82/bottle
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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2016 Ponzi Vigneto II Pinot Noir
Featuring Wahle Vineyard
“Fruit notes of blueberry, dried cranberry and orange zest underlay the complex notes of tobacco leaf, wood resin, chicory, dried chile pepper, coriander and flint. The intriguing nose leads to a palate of roasted coffee notes, forest berry pie, graham cracker and thyme. Depth and length with fine grain tannins finishing long.” –Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Offered at $82/bottle
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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An Unexpected Winter Favorite

The lesser-known cousin to Pinot gris and Pinot noir, Pinot blanc is sometimes overlooked, though it is one of the most delightful and food-friendly wines around. Lively notes of tropical fruit, layered with vibrant acidity, dance on the palate, making this stainless-steel fermented wine perfect for the dreariest winter day.

The 2017 Ponzi Pinot Blanc is produced from the nearly 30-year-old vines planted at our LIVE Certified Sustainable Aurora Vineyard.

2017 Ponzi Pinot Blanc
“Guava, passionfruit, pineapple and star jasmine, laced with white licorice and honeysuckle, give this nose tropical and floral notes. The mouth shows quince, lemon curd and ripe nectarine finishing broad and supple with a touch of slate minerality and fresh acidity.” 
–Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Offered at $22/bottle
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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Pretty, Pink & Easy to Love!

One of our favorite things about Pinot noir rosé is its versatility; not to mention its knack for brightening any occasion. With the first sip, a juicy kaleidoscope of flavors burst onto your palate. Mouthwatering acidity keeps the finish lively and crisp.

The fruit for the 2018 Ponzi Pinot Noir Rosé was intentionally selected with an eye towards cooler sites which retain juicy, vibrant acidity.

2018 Ponzi Pinot Noir Rosé
“Ethereal aromatics of magnolia, hibiscus, wild strawberry, jasmine and rainwater blend with slightly savory hints of lemon thyme and white pepper on the nose. The seamless palate of apple (think Envy or Pink Lady), slight honey notes and juicy acidity make this a refreshing, but serious Pinot noir rosé.” 
–Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Crafted from 100% Pinot noir, the fruit for our Rosé is intentionally selected with an eye towards cooler sites which retain juicy, vibrant acidity. Stainless steel fermentation to retain the bright, fresh fruit character.

Offered at $23/bottle  | $65/magnum
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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Romantic Wineries: 3 Oregon Wineries for Valentine’s Day

Wine tasting in the Willamette Valley is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special person or a group of beloved friends. There’s no shortage of stunning wineries with sweeping views and romantic tasting rooms, so we’ve narrowed it down for you to three sweet spots.

Stop 1: Ponzi Vineyards
19500 SW Mountain Home Road, Sherwood
(503) 628-1227
www.ponzivineyards.com

This founding Oregon winery was established in 1970 by husband-and-wife powerhouse Dick and Nancy Ponzi. Working side-by-side, they grew the business while raising their three children. If that isn’t romantic, we don’t know what is! Now owned and operated by their daughters Luisa and Anna Maria Ponzi, the sleek tasting room is perfect for cuddling, with a centerpiece fireplace inside flanked by comfy seating and fireside options on the terrace overlooking Avellana vineyard and the Chehalem Mountains. Just 40 minutes from Portland, it’s the perfect spot to sip a glass of the 2014 Ponzi Sparkling Brut Rosé.

Stop 2: Stoller Family Estate
16161 NE McDougall Road, Dayton
(503) 864-3404
www.stollerfamilyestate.com

An easy and scenic 30-minute drive to Stoller is the second stop on our itinerary. This property has been in the Stoller family since the 1940s and was planted to vines in 1995. The tasting room is full of natural light, with an inviting patio and a lawn perfect for picnics. A guest favorite is the tire swing. While fun for kids, it has also been the picturesque site of many proposals. Its distance from the tasting room allows for a little privacy, while its setting provides the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy proposal photos.

Stop 3: Domaine Serene
6555 NE Hilltop Lane, Dayton
(866) 864-6555
www.domaineserene.com

Just ten minutes away is our final stop. Founders Grace and Ken Evenstad named the winery for their daughter, Serene, and released their first vintage in 1990. The website for this winery includes not only gorgeous images of the property, it also has photos of the Evenstad’s first date and wedding day. How adorable is that? It’s all romance over there, as a visit to their tasting room will make you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to a chateau in the French countryside. They have several private tasting options for those looking for something more intimate.

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.

A Moment in the Spotlight: 2016 Ponzi Riesling

Riesling is perhaps one of the most well-known, and yet under appreciated wines. A beautifully crafted Riesling can be elegant and versatile.

Producing Oregon Riesling since 1974, Ponzi Vineyards presents a dry expression of the varietal that is delicate and balanced. It pairs effortlessly with a variety of dishes, from Asian cuisine to root vegetables to our favorite, Dungeness crab.

Served from an impressive magnum, Riesling finally gets the love and appreciation it deserves.

2016 Ponzi Riesling
“This beautiful nose of candied lime, lemon balm, honeysuckle and a whisper of lychee lead to a textured mouth of nectarine, white pepper and fresh acidity.” –Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Offered at $55/magnum | $22/bottle
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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Stewardship: 3 Certified-Sustainable Oregon Wineries

The history of Oregon’s wine country is rooted in a deep respect for the land. The founding wineries of the Willamette Valley built their businesses on principles of sustainability. They took their roles as stewards of the land seriously, and from day one they implemented practices that nurtured both the environment and the people who worked in the vineyards and wineries. You can explore this history further on the Willamette Valley Wineries Association’s website. If you would like to do a tasting tour supporting sustainable wineries, you have a lot of options. We suggest starting with these three.

Stop 1: Ponzi Vineyards
19500 SW Mountain Home Road, Sherwood
(503) 628-1227
www.ponzivineyards.com

Founded by Dick and Nancy Ponzi in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards is now owned and operated by their daughters, Luisa and Anna Maria Ponzi. Their vineyards are LIVE Certified, and they hold long-term contracts with some of the best growers in the region whose vineyards are also certified sustainable. They are Salmon Safe, members of the Carbon Reduction Challenge, utilize cover crops for weed suppression and fertilizers, and operate a four-level gravity-flow winery that was one of the first Oregon facilities awarded the LIVE Winery Certification, meeting LIVE specifications for an eco-friendly building and sustainable winemaking practices. Just 40 minutes from Portland, it’s a must-see.

Stop 2: Rex Hill
30835 OR-99W, Newberg
(503) 538-0666
www.rexhill.com

For your next stop, it’s a quick trip to Newberg to visit Rex Hill. Established in 1982, they were purchased by A to Z Wineworks in 2007. Rex Hill has practiced sustainability from its outset. Their vineyards and winery are LIVE certified and they work with their independent growers to help them farm organically. Their Jacob-Hart Vineyard is Demeter-certified Biodynamic, a philosophy of stringent organic farming practices that considers the physical, energetic and spiritual aspects of farming.

Stop 2: Penner-Ash Cellars
15771 NE Ribbon Ridge Road, Newberg
(503) 554-5545
www.pennerash.com

Your last stop was founded by the legendary Lynn Penner-Ash and her husband, Ron. Penner-Ash was the first female winemaker hired in Oregon at none other than your previous stop, Rex Hill. In 1998, she began crafting her own wines, finally moving into her own sustainable, energy-conserving, gravity-flow winery in 2005. The design of the building takes into consideration ergonomics, putting worker health and safety foremost by eliminating the need for heavy lifting thanks to a system of catwalks and forklifts. Their Estate Vineyard is LIVE Certified and Salmon Safe, as are many of the vineyards they work with via independent growers.

2017 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir is Here!

Gather around La Tavola

A table wine is more than just a wine for the table. It is something to enjoy today, it pairs with a variety of dishes and will be loved by all. In short, it is a versatile wine crafted for the everyday meal. Fruit-forward and food-friendly Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir celebrates this spirit.

2017 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir

Winemaker Luisa Ponzi notes beautiful aromatics of blackberry, cinnamon stick, dried cranberry and cedar leap from the glass. The mouth is supple with strawberry, balsamic reduction, lavender, thyme and cocoa powder; finishing with soft tannins laced with black licorice.

offered at $27/bottle
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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A Taste of Italy

Dreaming of a getaway this winter?

A few sips of the Ponzi Dolcetto or Arneis will transport you worlds away. Let these Italian varieties inspire your next dinner menu with a touch of Piedmontese flair. Try our recommended comfort food to pair with each wine.

2016 Ponzi Dolcetto

This rich and delightfully-spiced Dolcetto is the quintessential wine for the winter season. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi notes “hints of hoisin, cloves, caramelized marshmallow and biscotti, which mingle with bright eucalyptus notes and pipe tobacco. The mouth is dark chocolate and Asian spices, leading to a finish of fine grain, present tannin.”

offered at $32/bottle
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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Pair with Doba alla Piemontese (Beef Stew)

2016 Ponzi Arneis

For a lighter take on a winter favorite, try Ponzi Arneis, featuring “persimmon, quince, apricot and lemongrass intermingle with wet stone, orange zest and powdered sugar in this perfumed nose. The bright and lithe palate has a touch of honeyed sweetness, toasted almond and key lime.”

offered at $32/bottle
(15% off bottles, 20% off cases for members)

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Pair with Wild Mushroom Risotto

Doba alla Piemontese

PAIR WITH PONZI DOLCETTO

 

Ingredients

2lbs. boneless beef (chuck steak), veal (shoulder) or both
1/4 C. olive oil
1/4 C. unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 medium onions, thinly sliced
Bouquet garni: tie together fresh sage, bay leaf, sprig of rosemary, celery leaves, a celery stalk stuck with 5 to 6 cloves and parsley (tie together with kitchen twine)
Hint of cinnamon
2 C. dry white wine
1 qt. beef broth
S&P
1 C. whole milk or cream

Technique

1. Cut the meat into small or large, but somewhat uniform, cubes.
2. Heat the oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed casserole.
3. Brown the garlic and remove. Take care not to burn.
4. Add the sliced onions to the oil and cook until quite tender, not brown
5. Add the meat to the oil and onions and brown evenly.
6. Add the bouquet garni and cinnamon.
7. Add the wine and cook a few minutes to reduce slightly.
8. Add the broth.
9. Salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bring to boiling point, reduce heat and simmer 2 hours. Check occasionally to ensure there's sufficient liquid.
11. Remove the bouqet garni and adjust the seasonings.
112. Just before serving, add the cream and reheat. Serve in bowls accompanied with Italian bread. Polenta is a suggested accompaniment.

Notes

This stew can be adjusted to your taste and available ingredients. Use a half-pound of ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped. The liquid can be all wine (red if you prefer) or more broth. Use other vegetables, such as potatoes, artichokes, peas, carrots or mushrooms, adding them the last 30 minutes of cooking. Butter, cream and restrained use of garlic (note the garlic is removed after flavoring the oil) are typical of Piemontese cuisine.