Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/29638
Winemaker Mark Schabel heads up the Italian-heavy program at Ponte Family Estate. Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon play a central role at Wiens Family Cellars. Ferro, Schabel takes the estate’s 125 planted acres of Sangiovese and other varieties from vineyard to bottle in a spacious facility that also includes one of Temecula’s best restaurants. Ponte’s 2007 Sangiovese shows tight structure with acid backbone behind distinctive black-cherry fruit—a jigsaw match with Italian cuisine. Ponte’s more full-bodied Super Tuscan (52 percent Sangiovese and 48 percent Cabernet Sauvignon) is a mouthful of summery blackberry with a crisp finish. In addition to a Barbera, the winery also gives the nod to Piemonte with a rare Nebbiolo release. Keyways Winery is in the midst of Temecula’s equestrian countryside, along rustic De Portola Road. Young winemaker David Raffaele, a New York State native, became engrossed with wine during a Navy stint in Italy. “When I first came here, Temecula reminded me of Sicily,” David recalls as we sample wines on a picnic table with a direct view of towering Palomar Mountain and its famed observatory. In spite of successful Bordeaux-style efforts from Keyways—a charming Merlot, an oaky Petit Verdot and the restrained “Territage” blend among them—David predicts that “Temecula will eventually start diverging away from Bordeaux varieties.” We were impressed with the feisty, spicy Garnacha, while Dave’s 2010 White Tempranillo was charming, ripe and perfect for afternoon quaffing in such a lovely setting. And, the Italian- American hints, “I’ve got my eye on Nero d’Avola.” The young winemaker is also sourc- ing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from De Luz Valley, a cool microclimate to the west of Interstate 15—where Temecula’s next experiments could result in, yes, another new direction. Winemaker David Raffaele at Keyways Winery. april 201 1 / the tasting panel / 87