Ponzi Vineyards
Pinot Gris 2016
Willamette Valley
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 2016 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
2014, 2015 and 2016 have defined the new normal with early vintages in the Willamette Valley. 2016 jumped out of the gate with bud break a full 3 weeks earlier than normal. Flowering was condensed by a heat spell and an early summer gave us beautiful warm temperatures until August when it heated up. Harvest arrived later that month and was in full swing by early September. All fruit was in the door by the first part of October.
Fruit quality was immaculate with absolutely no disease pressure. Fruit set was small due to the short flowering time. Berry size was also small resulting in lower yields and gorgeously intense fruit.
Ponzi would liken 2016 to the 2006 vintage, with lush, beautiful wines with unexpected elegance and acidity, but in achingly short supply. Truly a stellar vintage for Oregon.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of guava, rose, white tea with an accent of wintergreen or spruce needle precede the textured palate laced with ginger spice, white pepper and peach. The finish is fresh and bright leaving a trail of lime zest and poached pear.
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
Suggested Retail Price
$19.00
Reviews
lime-drenched minerality
Wine Enthusiast (Editors' Choice) - August 9, 2018 “This is done in a crisp, fresh and leesy style, with lime-drenched minerality. Flavors of white peach and guava gain volume and density as the wine warms on the palate. It was kept from malolactic fermentation, enlivening a lingering, resonant finish.”
Reviews
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
Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley
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
Laurelwood District, Willamette Valley, Oregon
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
Willamette Valley
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.