This month’s Premier Series Top Pick pays tribute to the legions of Italian immigrant families who settled in California in the early part of the 20th century. These hardy souls, including John and Jim Pedroncelli’s father John, Sr. weathered Prohibition and helped resurrect the wine industry in Sonoma County before going on to make America a wine drinking nation. Moreover, the Pedroncelli brothers continue to fashion delicious, easy to understand premium wines at prices most of us can afford. John Pedroncelli grew up on the family property and has been principal winemaker at Pedroncelli since 1948. Brother Jim was actually born in the winery’s offices, which were formerly the family’s home, and he has overseen marketing and sales at the winery since 1955. Today, the winery remains a complete family affair with children and grandchildren all involved in daily operations. It would be hard to find two more genuine people than John and Jim Pedroncelli, so this month I raise a toast to these two stalwart souls with a glass of this month’s Top Pick, the 2010 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel – a true California classic.
Saluté.
Don
