Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley East Side Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2009

John Pedroncelli’s 2009 Dry Creek Valley East Side Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc may be the best value today in California Sauvignon Blanc. Bright, crisp and downright huggable it offers a wealth of fruit flavors and a subtle invigorating minerality, which speak favorably of the East Side Vineyards’ enviable terroir. For starters, floral and citrus aromas waft from the glass to dazzle the nose, while a mélange of pink grapefruit, fig, melon, and freshly picked herbs embrace the palate. All the while, refreshing acidity and the perfect balance of fruit and minerality allow Pedroncelli’s 2009 Sauvignon Blanc to fill the mouth and exit gracefully with distinction and panache. For optimal enjoyment, we suggest serving the 2009 Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley East Side Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc well chilled (35º-40º F), and then allowing it to warm slowly in the glass to reveal its subtle layered tones.

Appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, salads, and light entrées provide ideal accompaniments to the 2009 Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley East Side Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. Sushi and crudités, accompanied by a light dip, make excellent opening acts with which to pair this wine. Hummus with roasted red pepper and stuffed mushroom caps work well as starters, too. As entrées, Grilled Thai Prawns, Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Orange, and almost any white fish such as tilapia, served with a fresh cucumber sauce or vegetable relish, get our nod; moreover, they offer tasty, heart healthy accompaniments to this wine. Hearty salads, served with fresh greens and grilled marinated chicken strips, and bowtie pasta in an herb infused cream sauce constitute other favorite pairings with Pedroncelli’s excellent East Side Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. They also point to the versatility and food-friendly quality of this wine. And then of course, there is always that aperitif before dinner when a glass of Pedroncelli’s Sauvignon Blanc provides an excellent prelude to a special evening. Enjoy!

Since 1927, two constants on the Dry Creek Valley Pedroncelli estate in Sonoma County have been family and wine. Started by Italian immigrant John Pedroncelli, Sr., the estate vineyards are located just 25 miles from the Pacific where the grapes from this pre- Prohibition property produce full fruit flavors, thanks to the valley’s warm days and cool nights. John, Sr.’s namesake, son John, grew up on the property and has been principal winemaker at Pedroncelli since 1948. John’s brother Jim was actually born in the winery’s offices, which doubled in those days as the Pedroncelli family home. Jim has overseen marketing and sales at the winery since 1957. Jim and John’s children and children-in-laws work in various capacities at the winery, and the family happily watches a fourth generation buzz about the property. In short, Pedroncelli remains an authentic family-owned and run winery. Rare as it may be, this is one California family who has not yet traded in its name or its soul to a corporate conglomerate. Obviously stability and tradition play important roles for the Pedroncelli family as they collectively pursue a shared passion for producing quality wines. Yet, Pedroncelli’s vineyards have only gently expanded to 105 acres from the original 90 acres, and the brothers continue to seek innovative means of improving production and quality, without rapid expansion or even the thought of compromising their family tradition. Highlighting specific vineyards with a Vineyard Selection Series provides one example of the family’s commitment to special terroirs and overall quality. Pedroncelli wines are expertly made and renowned for their consistent quality, regardless of the vagaries of vintage: rich, yet subtle fruit flavors; layered balance; and readiness to drink upon release are constant calling cards at Pedroncelli. Above enjoying the quality of their wines, however, partaking in a glass of Pedroncelli is like becoming a member of the family and sharing in their love of wine. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel are just a few of the Pedroncelli family’s finest offerings.