23 Oct Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Pedroncelli 2022 Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

“No one ever asks, what is old? They ask, what is new?” This is something Ed St. John of Pedroncelli Winery often says. He is married to Julie Pedroncelli, the CEO and 3rd generation family member of Pedroncelli Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Nearing their 100th year, they are an “old” winery with a great history but they also have new offers. One of these offers pays homage to the past. It is the Pedroncelli 2022 Sonoma Classico Red Blend from the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, and it is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Pedroncelli

Pedroncelli Winery was started by Giovanni and Giulia Pedroncelli who purchased the property in Dry Creek Valley, 2 miles from Geyserville, in 1927. The family sold grapes to home winemakers to keep their vineyards alive during Prohibition. And, they made their first vintage in 1934. The winery has been family-owned and operated for 97 years and 2024 marks their 90th harvest. Following Giovanni and Giulia, their sons John and Jim took over with John as winemaker and Jim handling sales and marketing. Jim Pedroncelli retired two years ago at the age of 90 and today his daughter Julie Pedroncelli St. John is president. Julie is joined by other members of the third generation. Her sister Cathy Pedroncelli is Vice President, Finance and her brother Lance Blakeley is Vice President, Vineyard & Winery Operations. And, as they look forward to the future, the fourth generation is also working at Pedroncelli including Mitch Blakeley who is Operations Manager. Montse Reece, who is not related, has been the winemaker at Pedroncelli since 2007. Originally from Spain, she started as assistant winemaker and took over as head winemaker in 2015 after John Pedroncelli passed away.

Pedroncelli is predominantly a red wine producer. With 100 acres of vines, only 11 acres are planted to white grapes (Sauvignon Blanc). Their two flagship grapes are Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, Pedroncelli was the first winery to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Dry Creek in 1965. They still have some vines that are over 110 years old but most vines have been replanted and are 40 years old.

With almost 100 years of history, Pedroncelli is looking forward. They have invested in their hospitality center, changing the face of the 40-year-old building, adding a redwood bar and patio with a vineyard view of the mother-clone vineyard across the road. Pedroncelli has also changed its packaging.

The Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend is one of four wines that tell the story of early Pedroncelli. The Sonoma Classico has an image of the old cellar from the 1900s and a Model-T representing the truck Giovanni Pedroncelli used to deliver the grapes. There is also an oak tree in the image representing a tree that was once planted in front of the old cellar.

Tasting Notes

The Pedroncelli 2022 Sonoma Classico Red Blend pays homage to Sonoma’s heritage of making blends. This red blend is a Merlot-based proprietary blend that includes Syrah, Sangiovese, Tinta Madeira, and Souzao. The grapes are co-fermented and the wine is aged for 12 months in 30% new oak. The wine is very approachable with berry, plum, and spice aromas. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine has structure and roundness on the midpalate, but the wine is not dense or heavy. Instead, it is very palate-friendly with smooth tannins, persistent fresh acidity, and a lingering finish.

Food Pairing

The Pedroncelli 2022 Sonoma Classico Red Blend is so approachable and palate-friendly that it is a perfect wine to enjoy with a casual Italian meal. Try it with pastas with tomato sauces. I enjoyed this wine with pizza.

Where To Purchase

The Pedroncelli 2022 Sonoma Classico Red Blend retails for $24. This wine can be found in wine retail stores across the county but it can also be purchased directly from the Pedroncelli website.

Meet The Wine Owner

Meet Julie Pedroncelli and get to know her in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack USA podcast.