Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah 2017

From vines in excess of 60 years of age, the 2017 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah is yet another bold flavored, lip smacking Petite Sirah from this remarkable Sonoma County family. Petite Sirah is known for its profoundly purple color and delightful aromatics, and Pedroncelli’s 2017 Family Vineyards Petite Sirah over-delivers on both counts. From start to finish, juicy blueberry, black cherry, cacao, and exotic spice tones delight the nose and grace the thirsty palate to provide plenty of hedonistic pleasure. Powerful and robust, this Petite Sirah provides a boat load of flavors that are easily carried on the wine’s ripe tannins, which provide lift and assurance that the 2017 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah will still be very much alive a decade from now and a pleasure to drink. And for the finale, a touch of vanilla and wood smoke meld with the wine’s deep fruit, assuring a long, satisfying finish. Make no mistake, there is nothing "Petite" about this wine, but then again, why would anyone expect any less from Pedroncelli or any top notch Petite Sirah? For optimal enjoyment, we suggest allowing Pedroncelli’s exemplary Petite Sirah 10-20 minutes of aeration before serving at cool room temperature (58°-62° F). Although beautiful now, this big boned beauty is sure to improve in bottle, so why not stash a bottle or two away for another day? Enjoy!

Petite Sirah is a perennial favorite among the Pedroncelli family and a wonderful wine to pair with flavorful foods. Several of the Pedroncelli family’s favorite pairings with their 2017 Family Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah include Beef Lasagne, Braised Lamb Shanks with White Beans, and Rosemary Pasta with Black Olives and Carrots. To that we would add Grilled Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions served with a side of creamy, cheese-rich risotto. Slow Cooked Barbecued Spare Ribs and Pasta Fresca made with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, vine ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs, also make tasty complements to Pedroncelli’s 2017 Dry Creek Petite Sirah. Brick oven cooked pizzas and calzones as well as hearty chicken dishes with Mediterranean herbs and spices complement this wine, too. Mangia!

Pedroncelli celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017. Very few California wineries can claim a lineage as long and illustrious as Pedroncelli, and even fewer California wineries are still family owned. Since 1927, the two constants at the Pedroncelli estate in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley have been family and wine. Started by Italian immigrant John Pedroncelli, Sr., the Pedroncelli’s pre-Prohibition property is located 25 miles from the Pacific where warm days and cool nights provide the ideal climate for grapes to ripen slowly and fully.

John, Sr.’s namesake, son John, grew up on the family property and remained principal winemaker at Pedroncelli from 1948 until his passing in 2015. John’s brother Jim was actually born in the winery’s offices, which were formerly the family’s home. Jim has overseen marketing and sales at the winery since 1955. Jim only half-jokingly tells visitors, “I was born in this office and I will probably die here as well.” We are happy to say that Jim remains alive and well and going strong. In addition to Jim, John and Jim’s children and children-in-laws all work in various capacities at the winery, as the family happily watches a fourth generation buzz about the property. In short, Pedroncelli remains an authentic family-owned and run winery where the family’s unwavering philosophy to produce wines that are flavorful, balanced, affordable, and reflective of their terroir have stood the test of time through four generations. Rare as it is today, the Pedroncelli family is one California family that has not yet traded in its name or sold its soul to a corporate conglomerate.

Obviously, stability and tradition play important roles for the Pedroncelli family as it collectively pursues its shared passion for producing quality wines. Yet, Pedroncelli’s vineyards have only gently expanded to 105 acres from the property’s original 90 acres, and the family continues to seek innovative means of improving production and quality, without compromising the family tradition or expanding rapidly. Instead, the Pedroncellis highlight specific vineyards in the winery’s Vineyard Selection Series, a decision that allows them to pursue an uncompromised commitment to quality. This practice also provides a glimpse of the guided, practical approach that this family has to marketing.

Red grape varietals predominate at Pedroncelli with Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel garnering the most attention. However, Pedroncelli’s Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have quietly become two of California’s finest white wine values.

Pedroncelli wines are known for their consistent quality from vintage to vintage: they always exhibit rich fruit flavors, layered balance, and a readiness to drink upon release. Above enjoying the quality of their wines, however, partaking in a glass of Pedroncelli wine is like becoming a member of the family and sharing in their love of wine.