Puppione Family Wines

2022 STRETTA DI MANO Cabernet Sauvignon

92 Points | Wine Enthusiast | April 2024 – HIDDEN GEM

The 2022 STRETTA DI MANO Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the timeless traditions of Sonoma County winemaking, crafted exclusively from organically and biodynamically farmed grapes across three esteemed valleys: Alexander, Dry Creek, and Sonoma. Named after the Italian phrase for “handshake,” STRETTA DI MANO embodies the spirit of trust and community, with each bottle stemming from age-old handshake agreements that honor the integrity and close-knit nature of our local vine-growers. This wine offers a robust profile, showcasing a charmer’s nose of fresh cranberry, cassis, and plum, with a palate that delights with its tart, lively essence reminiscent of Italy’s finest Sangiovese. Aged in neutral French oak, STRETTA DI MANO allows the pure character of the Cabernet Sauvignon to shine, making it a bold yet refined choice for those who appreciate a wine that is as genuine and hearty as the soil from which it hails.

• 100% Cabernet Sauvignon biodynamically & organically farmed
• 100% native yeast fermentation
• Aged 10 months in neutral French Oak barrels
• Bottled unfined & unfiltered with minimal sulfur addition
• 13.5% ABV

2022 MAGARI Cuvée

91 Points | Wine Enthusiast | April 2024

The 2022 MAGARI Cuvée is a masterful blend of cool climate Syrah from the Russian River Valley and warm climate Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley. Named “MAGARI,” which embodies the Italian spirit of longing and boundless possibilities, this wine reflects the diverse and fertile landscapes of Sonoma County. It presents a complex aroma profile of dried cranberry, cocoa, and star anise, complemented by a subtle hint of white pepper. Matured in neutral oak barrels to emphasize the pure expressions of each varietal, MAGARI captures the harmony between adventurous spirit and the rich heritage of Sonoma’s terroir, making it an emblematic choice for those who value depth and complexity in their wine.

• 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Syrah organically farmed
• 100% Whole-cluster (Syrah)
• Foot tread & native-yeast fermentation
• Aged 10 months in neutral French Oak barrels
• Bottled unfined & unfiltered with minimal sulfur addition
• 12.8% ABV

2023 JUVENTAS Cuvée

Best in Class | Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2024

Our newest wine–JUVENTAS–is named after the Roman goddess of youth and rejuvenation. Embodying the spirit of freshness and vitality, this restorative young blend is a celebration of the untamed energy found in the union of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Manifested in the radiant crimson hue of this wine is the promise of vivacity from the very first pour. A youthful exuberance bursting with ripe red fruits, the nose reveals layers of succulent strawberries, black cherries, and a touch of blueberry. Juicy red berries take center stage on the palate, with a medley of red currants, raspberries, and a flutter of cranberries striking an invigorating chord that resonates taste after taste. Stainless steel aging accentuates the bright and fresh nature of these fruits, keeping tannins soft and spirits high while delicate purple floral and white pepper notes add a captivating touch. JUVENTAS is a tribute to the spirit of youthfulness and rebirth that brings life to every bottle. We invite you to share it with those who appreciate the beauty of the present moment and the promise of what’s to come.

• 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah biodynamically & organically farmed
• 100% Foot Tread
• 100% Destemmed native yeast fermentation (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 100% Whole cluster native yeast fermentation (Syrah)
• Aged 4 months in stainless steel drums
• Bottled unfined & unfiltered
• 12.8% ABV

2023 FESTA Bianco

Once again, we turned to the mountains to fetch gorgeous fruit to craft our zestier-than-ever FESTA Bianco. Pale straw with a glint of green, this Friulano from the Sierra Foothills sparkles in the glass, showcasing its youthful vibrancy. With delicate notes of white flowers, honeysuckle, and jasmine that waft from the glass, the FESTA Bianco is alluring and playful, like a spring garden in full bloom. Crisp green apple and ripe pear flavors mingle with hints of citrus, creating a refreshingly bright profile. The subtle almond note, a signature of Friulano, adds a hint of nutty complexity that enhances the overall experience. Light and lively with a clean, lingering finish that rides a crisp tide of mineral zing, the FESTA Bianco is a celebration of freshness and floral elegance.

The FESTA wines are made to honor Lucia Festa Puppione–the matriarch of the Puppiones in America–who brought her family to Oakland, CA in 1913. It was in her home where husband Pietro made the first family wines in the basement. She was a woman of strength, independence, and kindness. These wines reflect her spirit of celebrating life and tradition.

• 100% Friulano organically farmed
• 100% Foot Tread
• 100% Whole cluster press native yeast fermentation
• Aged 4 months in neutral French oak barrel & stainless steel drums
• Gently filtered for clarity and stability
• 12.4% ABV

2023 FESTA Rosso

Everyone’s favorite red crusher–our FESTA Rosso–is back with it’s signature lively ruby red translucent hue. The visual allure is accompanied by a slight effervescence, promising the refreshing experience you have come to expect from this chillable gem. Floral notes of violet and lavender intermingle with the brightness of crushed red berries, while gentle flickers of black pepper and an herbal bouquet add layers of complexity to the nose. Juicy red berries electrify the palate, providing a burst of sweetness that is lifted by a zesty citrus character framed subtly with spiciness and depth. A vibrant acidity imparts a lively and energetic feel, while silky tannins provide a gentle grip as the FESTA Rosso finishes crisp and invigorating, leaving behind a trail of red fruit flavors and a hint of herbal freshness.

The FESTA wines are made to honor Lucia Festa Puppione–the matriarch of the Puppiones in America–who brought her family to Oakland, CA in 1913. It was in her home where husband Pietro made the first family wines in the basement. She was a woman of strength, independence, and kindness. These wines reflect her spirit of celebrating life and tradition.

• 44% Syrah, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Friulano biodynamically & organically farmed
• 100% Foot Tread
• 100% Whole cluster native yeast fermentation (Syrah)
• 100% Destemmed native yeast fermentation (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 100% Whole cluster press native yeast fermentation (Friulano)
• Aged 4 months in stainless steel drums
• Bottled unfined & unfiltered
• 12.7% ABV

2021 INTERO Syrah

94 Points | Wine Enthusiast | January 2023

This is the first wine we made as a family of four, and it was also the first wine we made using 100% whole clusters. As such, we fittingly named this wine INTERO, meaning “whole” in Italian. It is a celebration of not only the beauty of cool-climate Syrah, but also of feeling complete and fulfilled as parents with the addition of our son in late 2020. And each year, this bottling will serve to honor the fullness and fellowship of family.

• 100% Syrah organically farmed
• 100% Foot tread, whole cluster & native yeast fermentation
• Aged 10 months in neutral French Oak barrels
• Bottled unfined & unfiltered with minimal sulfur addition
• 13.5% ABV

2021 MAGARI Cuvée

92 Points | Wine Enthusiast | January 2023

Gold Medal | 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

In Italian, MAGARI means “hopefully” or “if only.” It is a word used to express a wish for a better future, and like so many parents, we look to each year with hearts full of a desire for something beautiful with and for our children. To us, this elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley and Syrah from the Russian River Valley is the vinous embodiment of this sentiment.

• 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Syrah organically farmed
• 100% Whole-cluster (Syrah)
• Foot tread & native-yeast fermentation
• Aged 10 months in neutral French Oak barrels
• Bottled unfined & unfiltered with minimal sulfur addition
• 13.5% ABV

2022 FESTA Bianco

Our very first white wine features the northern Italian grape Friulano and comes to us from high in the Sierra Foothills. This refreshing and aromatic bottling is quintessential mountain juice—bright, pretty, and vivacious—a perfect pairing partner for a wide range of foods or your favorite spot outdoors.

The FESTA wines are made to honor Lucia Festa Puppione–the matriarch of the Puppiones in America–who brought her family to Oakland, CA in 1913. It was in her home where husband Pietro made the first family wines in the basement. She was a woman of strength, independence, and kindness. These wines reflect her spirit of celebrating life and tradition.

• 100% Friulano grapes organically farmed
• 100% Foot Tread
• 100% Whole cluster press native yeast fermentation
• Aged 4 months in neutral French oak barrel & stainless steel drums
• Gently filtered for clarity and stability
• 12.5% ABV

2022 FESTA Rosso

A crushable combination of Syrah from the Russian River Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley, and Friulano from the Sierra Foothills, this is a well-rounded chillable red wine built for the warmer months ahead…or just elevating a midweek pizza night. Fruit-forward, fresh, and fun for the palate—chill it or don’t, but definitely enjoy.

The FESTA wines are made to honor Lucia Festa Puppione–the matriarch of the Puppiones in America–who brought her family to Oakland, CA in 1913. It was in her home where husband Pietro made the first family wines in the basement. She was a woman of strength, independence, and kindness. These wines reflect her spirit of celebrating life and tradition.

• 45% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Friulano grapes organically farmed
• 100% Foot Tread
• 100% Whole cluster native yeast fermentation (Syrah)
• 100% Destemmed native yeast fermentation (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 100% Whole cluster press native yeast fermentation (Friulano)
• Aged 4 months in stainless steel drums
• Bottled unfined & gently filtered
• 12.5% ABV

2021 VOLTA Cuvée

Gold Medal | 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

In poetry, Volta is the turning point or moment of change–and the year 2021 was certainly that for us and our family winery. By bringing in organically-farmed Grenache and Mourvèdre from the Chalone AVA, we sourced from outside of our native Sonoma County for the first time and blended these with our signature cool-climate Syrah from our Russian River Valley home. With aromatic lift, verve on the palate, and a crystalline purity of fruit, this is a Rhône classic beautifully reimagined in the cooler climes of California.

• 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre grapes organically farmed
• 100% Foot Tread
• 100% Whole cluster native yeast fermentation
• Aged 10 months in neutral French oak barrels
• Bottled unfined & unfiltered
• 13.0% ABV

2020 SOREN Cuvée

90 Points | Wine Enthusiast | August 2022

Inspired by a family-favorite wine from Southern France and named for our son, the 2020 Soren Cuvée showcases the strength and style that reflect our boy’s signature traits. Seriously playful and charmingly defiant, this wine’s layered aromatics and rich flavor profile answer the call for a wine built for celebrating anytime.

2020 SOREN Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2020 Soren Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of what happens when you truly have too much of a good thing. With the remaining gorgeous grapes we had after assembling the Soren Cuvée, we were lucky enough to craft just ONE barrel of this powerful beauty. Freshness, fullness, and finesse highlight our rarest bottling ever.

2017 ARIYA Syrah

The grapes for the 2017 Ariya Syrah were actually picked three months before the wine’s namesake entered the world. Immaculate fruit handled with minimal intervention resulted in a wine with an old-world charm that lifts and a depth of flavor that patiently unfolds on the palate.