Pisoni Vineyards and Winery: Difference between revisions
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The Pisoni family also partners with local grower Gary Franscioni to farm the Garys’ Vineyard (named for the two Garys) and the nearby Soberanes Vineyard. These two vineyards are planted primarily to Pinot Noir, with a few acres of Chardonnay and Syrah. Grapes from these vineyards are used to produce wine for Pisoni Estate’s sister labels, Lucia and Lucy. Fruit from these vineyards is also purchased by Peter Michael Winery, Patz & Hall, Siduri, Miner Family Winery, Testarossa, Roar Wines and others.<ref name=":1" /> |
The Pisoni family also partners with local grower Gary Franscioni to farm the Garys’ Vineyard (named for the two Garys) and the nearby Soberanes Vineyard. These two vineyards are planted primarily to Pinot Noir, with a few acres of Chardonnay and Syrah. Grapes from these vineyards are used to produce wine for Pisoni Estate’s sister labels, Lucia and Lucy. Fruit from these vineyards is also purchased by Peter Michael Winery, Patz & Hall, Siduri, Miner Family Winery, Testarossa, Roar Wines and others.<ref name=":1" /> |
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Vineyard Manager Mark Pisoni uses sustainable farming practices in the vineyards and on the family’s 500-acre vegetable farm, which produces lettuces, broccoli, and cauliflower. Mark studied agricultural economics and the University of California at Davis, and received a Master’s degree in farm business management from Cornell University.<ref>{{Cite news|url=|title=20 Most Admired Grape Growers in North America|last=Editors|first=|date=November 2015|work=Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine|access-date=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=}}</ref> |
Vineyard Manager Mark Pisoni uses sustainable farming practices in the vineyards and on the family’s 500-acre vegetable farm, which produces lettuces, broccoli, and cauliflower. Mark studied agricultural economics and the University of California at Davis, and received a Master’s degree in farm business management from Cornell University.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=|title=20 Most Admired Grape Growers in North America|last=Editors|first=|date=November 2015|work=Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine|access-date=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=}}</ref> |
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=== Winemaking === |
=== Winemaking === |
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Since 2003, the Pisonis have produced a limited amount of Santa Lucia Highlands Rosé each year under a second sister-label, Lucy. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of Lucy wine is donated to the fight against breast cancer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.klwines.com/p/i?i=1291900|title=Lucia ‘Lucy’ Santa Lucia Highlands Rosé of Pinot Noir|last=Editors|first=|date=|website=K & L Wine Merchant|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> |
Since 2003, the Pisonis have produced a limited amount of Santa Lucia Highlands Rosé each year under a second sister-label, Lucy. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of Lucy wine is donated to the fight against breast cancer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.klwines.com/p/i?i=1291900|title=Lucia ‘Lucy’ Santa Lucia Highlands Rosé of Pinot Noir|last=Editors|first=|date=|website=K & L Wine Merchant|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> |
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Recognition |
=== Recognition === |
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* Pisoni Estate named one of “The 15 Best Pinot Noir Wines from California” by wine critic Matthew Ankeny in Gear Patrol, February 9, 2017 |
* Pisoni Estate named one of “The 15 Best Pinot Noir Wines from California” by wine critic Matthew Ankeny in ''Gear Patrol'', February 9, 2017<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gearpatrol.com/2017/02/09/best-california-pinot-noir-wines/|title=The 15 Best Pinot Noir Wines From California|last=Ankeny|first=Matthew|date=February 9, 2017|website=Gear Patrol|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> |
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* Pisoni Estate named among “The Best of 2016” by wine critic Jeb Dunnuck in The Wine Advocate, who wrote that Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir “is, year in and year out, one of the most impressive Pinot Noirs from California.” |
* Pisoni Estate named among “The Best of 2016” by wine critic Jeb Dunnuck in ''The Wine Advocate'', who wrote that Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir “is, year in and year out, one of the most impressive Pinot Noirs from California.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.robertparker.com/|title=Best of 2016|last=Dunnuck|first=Jeb|date=December 22, 2016|website=The Wine Advocate|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> |
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* Lucia’s 2014 Pinot Noir described by wine critic Jeb Dunnuck in The Wine Advocate as “a perfect example of the incredible quality that's consistently coming from this estate.” |
* Lucia’s 2014 Pinot Noir described by wine critic Jeb Dunnuck in ''The Wine Advocate'' as “a perfect example of the incredible quality that's consistently coming from this estate.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.robertparker.com/|title=USA, California: New Releases from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Beyond|last=Dunnuck|first=Jeb|date=September 30, 2016|website=The Wine Advocate|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> |
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* Mark Pisoni named among “The Most Admired Grape Growers in America” by Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine, November 2015 issue |
* Mark Pisoni named among “The Most Admired Grape Growers in America” by ''Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine'', November 2015 issue<ref name=":4" /> |
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* On October 27, 2015, in Wine Spectator, MaryAnn Worobiek wrote that “the success of Pinot Noir in the Santa Lucia Highlands is largely due to Gary Pisoni.” |
* On October 27, 2015, in Wine Spectator, MaryAnn Worobiek wrote that “the success of Pinot Noir in the Santa Lucia Highlands is largely due to Gary Pisoni.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/52277|title=California Pinot Noir: A Showcase of Regional Diversity|last=Worobiec|first=MaryAnn|date=October 27, 2015|website=The Wine Spectator|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> |
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* Lucia named among the “Top 100 Wines of the Year” in 2013 by The Wine Spectator. |
* Lucia named among the “Top 100 Wines of the Year” in 2013 by ''The Wine Spectator''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://2013.top100.winespectator.com/|title=Top 100 Wines of 2013|last=Editors|first=|date=December 31, 2013|website=Wine Spectator|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> |
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* Lucia 2012 Soberanes Vineyard Syrah named Editor’s Choice among California Syrahs by Matt Kettman in |
* Lucia 2012 Soberanes Vineyard Syrah named Editor’s Choice among California Syrahs by Matt Kettman in ''Wine Enthusiast'', March 2015<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.winemag.com/gallery/californias-best-syrahs/|title=California’s Best Syrahs|last=Kettman|first=Matt|date=February, 2015|website=Wine Enthusuast|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> |
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Sidebar |
Sidebar |
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Revision as of 19:48, 17 July 2017
Pisoni Vineyards and Winery
Pisoni Estate is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery located in the Santa Lucia Highlands of California’s Monterey Coast. It was founded in 1982 by Gary Pisoni, who was more interested in growing wine grapes than row crops for the family vegetable farm. He decided to plant a vineyard in the mountains above the Salinas Valley--an area previously considered undesirable for growing because of its dry, granitic soil. The vineyard began with small crops of Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir, then eventually focused on the Pinot Noir for which it has become renowned.[1]
In the vineyard’s first decade, Gary built its reputation by selling fruit to other vintners. In 1998, the Pisoni family began to produce a single wine: Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir, which remains the sole wine made under this label.[2]
Pisoni Estate now covers 40 acres of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, and consists of 30 individually farmed blocks ranging from .5 to 17 acres in size.[3] Pisoni Estate wines were named among America’s Grand Crus by wine critic Robert Parker, and Pisoni Estate fruit is highly sought by premium California Pinot Noir producers.[4]
History
In 1952, Eddie and Jane Pisoni launched their produce business, Pisoni Farms, on the Breschini Ranch, owned by Jane’s family in Gonzales, California. They turned the former dairy and alfalfa farm into a row crop operation, growing lettuce, sugar beets, tomatoes, onions, beans, broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower for market. Eddie Pisoni farmed the land with the help of Jane’s brother, Elvezio “Saw” Breschini, while Jane Pisoni did the accounting.[1]
The Pisonis expanded their property in 1979 with the purchase of a 280-acre parcel of land in the Santa Lucia Mountains. They used this acreage for livestock grazing, as its dry, rocky slopes were considered inhospitable for crops.[1]
In 1982, however, Jane and Eddie’s son, Gary Pisoni, decided to plant a few acres of the mountain parcel to wine grapes. Gary had developed a love of wine in college, and saw an opportunity to diversify his family’s business while pursuing his dream of becoming a winemaker. He believed that the rocky soil and fog-cooled climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands were similar to Burgundy, and was determined to be successful there despite his family’s skepticism.[5]
Initial attempts to locate a water source on the property were unsuccessful, so for the first nine years, Pisoni drove water tankers from the valley floor to irrigate the vineyard. Meanwhile, he hired witchers and drilled several wells on the property before finally striking water--beneath 8 feet of soil and 490 feet of solid granite--on his 6th attempt in 1991.[1]
Gary Pisoni sent the wine he made from his mountain fruit to local vintners for sampling, many of whom asked to purchase his grapes. His reputation as a premium grapegrower--one of the first in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA--spread throughout the state. A select group of California winemakers continue to source fruit from Pisoni Vineyards.[6]
In 1998, the Pisoni family launched its flagship label, Pisoni Estate. Today, Gary’s sons Mark and Jeff direct the viticulture and winemaking operations. Mark Pisoni manages the vineyards, while his brother Jeff makes Pisoni Estate wines.[7]
Vineyards
The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA [hyperlink to SLH AVA wiki page] is a 12-mile long, terraced region above the Salinas River near Monterey Bay in California’s Central Coast.[8] The region is notable for its long ripening season; the result of morning sun cooled by afternoon fog and breezes from the North Pacific, slowing photosynthesis and allowing harvests often six weeks later than in other California growing regions. The soil is highly granitic and well-drained because of its elevation--anywhere from 40 to 1300 feet above the valley floor.[9]
Pisoni Vineyards, the family’s estate property, is located at 1300 feet above sea level near the northeastern corner of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, affording it southeast exposure and regular sun.[10] There, Pisoni Estate creates the single, vineyard-designated wine for which it is known: Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir.
The Pisoni family also partners with local grower Gary Franscioni to farm the Garys’ Vineyard (named for the two Garys) and the nearby Soberanes Vineyard. These two vineyards are planted primarily to Pinot Noir, with a few acres of Chardonnay and Syrah. Grapes from these vineyards are used to produce wine for Pisoni Estate’s sister labels, Lucia and Lucy. Fruit from these vineyards is also purchased by Peter Michael Winery, Patz & Hall, Siduri, Miner Family Winery, Testarossa, Roar Wines and others.[2]
Vineyard Manager Mark Pisoni uses sustainable farming practices in the vineyards and on the family’s 500-acre vegetable farm, which produces lettuces, broccoli, and cauliflower. Mark studied agricultural economics and the University of California at Davis, and received a Master’s degree in farm business management from Cornell University.[11]
Winemaking
Jeff Pisoni is Head Winemaker for Pisoni Estate, Lucia and Lucy. He earned his enology degree at California State University, Fresno, and worked at Peter Michael and Bernardus before returning to lead winemaking for the family business.[7]
Jeff creates his wine using artisanal methods and small lots. Grapes are hand harvested and hand sorted. Fruit from each individually-farmed vineyard block is crushed separately. The resulting small-lot wines are fermented on native yeasts whenever possible and aged independently in barrel. Finished wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined.[5]
Pisoni Estate’s sister label, Lucia, produces vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah wines from Soberanes Vineyard and Garys’ Vineyard, as well as appellation blends sourced from all three vineyards. Lucia’s first release was a 2000 vintage Pinot Noir from Garys’ Vineyard.[2]
Since 2003, the Pisonis have produced a limited amount of Santa Lucia Highlands Rosé each year under a second sister-label, Lucy. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of Lucy wine is donated to the fight against breast cancer.[12]
Recognition
- Pisoni Estate named one of “The 15 Best Pinot Noir Wines from California” by wine critic Matthew Ankeny in Gear Patrol, February 9, 2017[13]
- Pisoni Estate named among “The Best of 2016” by wine critic Jeb Dunnuck in The Wine Advocate, who wrote that Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir “is, year in and year out, one of the most impressive Pinot Noirs from California.”[14]
- Lucia’s 2014 Pinot Noir described by wine critic Jeb Dunnuck in The Wine Advocate as “a perfect example of the incredible quality that's consistently coming from this estate.”[15]
- Mark Pisoni named among “The Most Admired Grape Growers in America” by Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine, November 2015 issue[11]
- On October 27, 2015, in Wine Spectator, MaryAnn Worobiek wrote that “the success of Pinot Noir in the Santa Lucia Highlands is largely due to Gary Pisoni.”[16]
- Lucia named among the “Top 100 Wines of the Year” in 2013 by The Wine Spectator[17]
- Lucia 2012 Soberanes Vineyard Syrah named Editor’s Choice among California Syrahs by Matt Kettman in Wine Enthusiast, March 2015[18]
Sidebar
Pisoni Vineyards
Location: Gonzales, CA, USA
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Other Labels: Lucia, Lucy
Founded: 1982
First Vintage: 1996 Pinot Noir, released 1998
Key People: Gary Pisoni, Founder
Mark Pisoni, Head Winemaker
Jeff Pisoni, Vineyard Manager
Known for: Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir
Varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah
Other Products: Iceberg lettuce, romaine, broccoli, cauliflower
Tasting: For mailing list members only, by reservation
Website: www.pisonivineyards.com
- ^ a b c d Anderson, Mark C. (November 4, 2010). "A Closer Look At The Crazy Santa Lucia Wine Deity-- And What Comes Next". Monterey County Weekly.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ a b c Daniel, Laurie (September 11, 2013). "Vineyards With A Waiting List: Gary Pisoni, Gary Franscioni, And Their Extraordinary Grapes". San Jose Mercury News.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Gaffney, MD, William "Rusty" (October 3, 2009). "Pisoni Vineyard: Pinot Noir From Heaven". PinotFile.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Miskew, Stephanie (November 20, 2014). "Five Wineries You Need To Know In California's Santa Lucia Highlands". Fox News.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ a b Miskew, Stephanie (February 28, 2015). "Producer Profile: A Visit To Pisoni Vineyards!". The Wine Atelier.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Wine Enthusiast Editors (October 31, 2013). "America's Best Pinot Noirs". Wine Enthusiast.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ a b Joseph, Adam (April 13, 2014). "The Family Brand's Winemaker Riffs On The Joys, Memories, And Pressures Of Being Pisoni". Monterey County Weekly.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Editors. "Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation". Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Editors. "Regions: Santa Lucia Highlands". Wine Searcher. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Editors. "Santa Lucia Highlands Map". Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ a b Editors (November 2015). "20 Most Admired Grape Growers in North America". Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Editors. "Lucia 'Lucy' Santa Lucia Highlands Rosé of Pinot Noir". K & L Wine Merchant.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Ankeny, Matthew (February 9, 2017). "The 15 Best Pinot Noir Wines From California". Gear Patrol.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Dunnuck, Jeb (December 22, 2016). "Best of 2016". The Wine Advocate.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Dunnuck, Jeb (September 30, 2016). "USA, California: New Releases from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Beyond". The Wine Advocate.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Worobiec, MaryAnn (October 27, 2015). "California Pinot Noir: A Showcase of Regional Diversity". The Wine Spectator.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Editors (December 31, 2013). "Top 100 Wines of 2013". Wine Spectator.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Kettman, Matt (February, 2015). "California's Best Syrahs". Wine Enthusuast.
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