Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
PARDUCCI WINE CELLARS Mendocino County, California F amily-owned Parducci in California's Mendocino County is committed to sustainable winegrowing that yields top quality grapes and wines. The winery uses only locally farmed grapes and employs certifi ed sustainable farming practices. Tractors and much other equipment run on either locally purchased biodiesel or other clean energy, and Parducci utilizes 100% green power while also employing earth-friendly packaging. A solar array powers the upper portion of the winery, while a natural wetland habitat aids in the fi ltration and reuse of all winery waste water. All of these initiatives combine to better protect the environment and support the local community. Just as with Parducci's focus on sustainability, assistant winemaker Mark Beaman believes that the enchantment of blended wines lies in synergy, in this case among varieties. "It's fascinating how distinctly different grapes meld into something greater than the simple sum of their parts." The Parducci 2009 Sustainable Red from Mendocino County ($11) is a robust red wine with berry fl avors and spicy complexities. The Parducci 2010 Sustainable White ($11) is medium-bodied with crisp, clean aromas and fl avors of citrus and melon. As for the future of blends, Beaman says that the sky is the limit. "As people continue to explore wine, they are naturally going to be attracted by innovation and originality. Blends will be an exciting option in the consumer's search for something new. Two years ago we only bottled two blends; now we have six. This wouldn't be happening in the absence of demand." MENDOCINO WINE CO. FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY Sonoma County, California F rancis Ford Coppola says that his winery is "a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life—food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life." Corey Beck, Director of Winemaking and General Manager, believes that a blend should also be celebrated as an artistic expression of the winemaker's joie de vivre. "Only the winemaker knows the vintage's top wines, and it's this opportunity to take the best of the best that creates something magical. The consumer's fi rst contact with wine is aroma, which is the winemaker's opportunity to pique attention. The entry, however, is where the consumer will fall in love or be totally disappointed." Beck says the most exciting innovations he sees at the winery involve the implication of phenolic data and how it's used in blending. "Measuring phenolics reveals information on the total color, tannin and phenols. I can blend low tannin juice with more concentrated versions and the end result is something soft and luxurious." A good example of this is the Francis Ford Coppola Winery 2009 Director's Cut Cinema, (48% Zinfandel, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petite Sirah; $32). Those who are fans of Super Tuscans will enjoy the spicy, full-bodied nature of this wine as well as its juicy blackberry, cherry, currant, anise and cigar elements that reign supreme from start to fi nish. april 2012 / the tasting panel / 127