A fan of Petite Sirah? Modesto wine columnist has just the selection for you
In 2021, Foppiano Winery celebrated its 125th anniversary. Giovanni Foppiano arrived in New York in 1855 from Genoa, Italy, and migrated to California via the Panama Canal. He purchased the 80 acre Riverside Farm and a working winery and the Foppiano Wine Company was established. Foppiano Vineyards is one of Sonoma County’s oldest continually-operated family owned wineries. The family has supplied Northern California wine for years, surviving Prohibition in the 1920s by selling home winemaking kits. Foppiano was one of the founding members of the Russian River Valley AVA in 1985, helped found the Wine Institute in 1941 and started the Sonoma County Vintner’s Association in 1944 with 14 other wineries.
Fifth generation Paul Foppiano is now president and vineyard manager. Petite Sirah has become Foppiano’s flagship wine. The family’s favorite wine is well known nationwide and has gained awards and high praise from press. Full bodied and robust, Petite Sirah offers enticing flavors of blackberries and spices with luscious and structured tannins through the finish. They have 40 acres of Petite Sirah planted, including several blocks of a new Foppiano Clone. In 2006 Gianna was born to Paul and Jacqui Foppiano. Yep, that makes six generations. Do you think there might be a bit of farming in her DNA?
The location of Foppiano Vineyards is just a few miles north of Windsor on the Old Redwood Highway. The Navigator and I went at 11 a.m. and had one of the best and most interesting tastings. Two flights were offered; the East Block Rock Stars were popular Russian River varietals, $25 and the Block-Stars were the best blocks from the ranch, $30. We ordered both and shared. We each tasted eight wines and the pours were quite generous. All wines had 90-plus ratings and the service was first class. Both servers were knowledgeable, professional and enjoyed relating the history of the Foppiano Wine Company. We agreed (for once), our favorite wine was a 2018 Gianna’s Block Petite Sirah, with 26 months in oak, 50% new American and 50% new French. It scored a Triple Gold 2020 in Dan Berger’s Tasting and a Double Gold in the Sunset Tasting. If you’re a fan of Petite Sirah, I have one word, GO!
What’s On Our Table
The 2020 Lyric Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County is a steal at Costco for $9.99 (regularly $15.99). The 2019 Broken Earth Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon with a $3 reduction is a good deal at $12.99. Costco’s prices are very competitive especially with those additional discounts. The 2019 El Coto Crianza from Rioja Spain is 100% Tempranillo, fermented and aged 12 months in oak and an additional six months in the bottle before release. The wine has red fruit flavors and a silky finish. The SRP is $16.99 but Total Wine’s price is under $13. Happy wine hunting. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.
