Ponzi Vineyards

Pinot Gris 2020

Willamette Valley

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One of the original and most recognized Oregon and U.S. Pinot Gris producers, Ponzi was a major influence in establishing Pinot Gris as the first quality white grape variety in Oregon. Ponzi’s Pinot Gris is an irresistibly aromatic and expressive wine, and serves as a first encounter for many wine drinkers with Oregon wines and the Ponzi estate.

Vineyard

The 2020 Pinot Gris is produced from LIVE Certified Sustainable Ponzi Aurora, Avellana and Estate Vineyards, as well as select vineyards from around the Willamette Valley.

Winemaking

Fermented in temperature controlled, stainless-steel tanks, not exceeding 55˚F. Malolactic fermentation was prohibited to retain the bright and lively character of the wine. Stelvin closures (screwcaps) were used on 100% of the production.

Vintage

The 2020 vintage was certainly unique. A cool and wet spring forecasted small yields of intense fruit, while a dry summer and slow cooling going into fall promised beautiful wines of intensity and balance. While fires broke out just after harvest began all along the west coast, including the Chehalem Mountains, the Ponzi team worked quickly with contacts across the globe to share information and react quickly. Ultimately, the white wines, which had already been harvested and pressed off the skins (which hold the smoke compounds), were spectacular. They are indeed a gorgeous and somewhat scarce consolation prize in an otherwise challenging vintage.

Tasting Notes

This aromatic nose has notes of green pear, white flower and honeycomb with a slight rosemary, white pepper thread leading to a bright mouth of meringue, ginger, honeydew melon and lemon zest.” –
Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Food Pairing

A versatile wine that easily stands alone as an aperitif then pairs with Japanese, Chinese & Korean dishes as well as soft cheeses.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Pinot Gris

Appellation

Willamette Valley

Alcohol

12.4%

Suggested Retail Price

$19.00

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Laurelwood Pinot Noir

Laurelwood District, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley

For over 50 years, the Ponzi family has farmed 140 acres of certified sustainable vineyards all planted on Laurelwood soil. Situated along the Northern ridge of the Willamette Valley, these ancient soils are comprised of fractured basalt layered over with a fine, windblown sediment called loess. A decade-long effort by sisters Maria and Luisa, alongside their neighbors has resulted in the recognition of Oregon’s first soil-based AVA, the Laurelwood District. The 2019 vintage boasts the new label design, with a textured effect that resembles the layers of the Laurelwood soils.

Pinot Noir Reserve

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Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve is the epitome of restrained power. It hails from estate grown fruit on Laurelwood soils in the Chehalem Mountains, including from some of Oregon’s oldest vines. This remarkably complex wine is handcrafted with tremendous attention to detail.

Laurelwood Chardonnay

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The Ponzi family has dedicated over 30 years to innovation in farming and winemaking to develop Oregon Chardonnay's place in the world. Luisa Ponzi's formative experiences working in Burgundy in the early 1990s guide her vision of producing complex and ageworthy Chardonnay.

Tavola Pinot Noir

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Tavola is Ponzi's delicious early release Pinot Noir, a fruit-forward wine with soft tannins, made primarily from younger, lower elevations vines. Meant for early consumption, it is an unbeatable value for quality Pinot Noir.