Here we are!!!
We have been away from the blog here for quite awhile, we know. With Harvest 2023 running a bit late, followed by holidays and birthdays and bottlings and new releases, it has been a wild six months for us. Wild, but fun.
For the first blog back, we thought we would hit you with a few things here, so strap in for a smattering of cool updates and info and I-don’t-even-know…
The 2023 Vintage was AWESOME
The stellar harvest conditions in Northern California in 2023 played a massive role in making the our lineup something out of this world. Let’s break it down by wine, shall we?
2023 JUVENTAS Cuvée really soaked up the benefits of the year. The magic started with the much-needed rain that winter, setting the stage for vibrant, healthy vines. The balanced weather—cool nights following warm days—was like a cheat code for flavor development, especially for the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes in this blend. These conditions emphasized the freshness, vitality, and complexity of flavors, from juicy red berries to subtle spicy and floral notes, making JUVENTAS a living ode to the Roman goddess of youth.
2023 FESTA Bianco, with its crisp Friulano grapes, couldn’t have asked for a better year. The climate ensured a perfect expression of terroir from the Sierra Foothills, bringing out the best in those green apple, pear, and citrus notes. The meticulous balance of warmth and chill in the air added depth to the wine’s floral aromas, and that signature almond note? The intricate balance of sunny days and cool nights served as a natural cue, subtly guiding each grape to unlock its flavors.
Then there’s 2023 FESTA Rosso, which truly is a celebration in a bottle, amplified by the exceptional conditions. The mix of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Friulano grapes thrived under the 2023 skies, each variety bringing its A-game to the blend thanks to the optimal growing conditions. The result? A wine that explodes on the palate with a rush of red berries, a dash of citrus, and just the right hint of spice and herb, all wrapped up in a wine that’s as lively and invigorating as the harvest year itself.
In essence, the 2023 harvest didn’t just give the wines a good year; it gave them a legendary one. Each wine is a testament to the serendipitous combination of Mother Nature’s best work and our dedication to capturing the essence of Northern California’s terroir. Grab a bottle (or three) of our 2023 lineup and taste the unmatched freshness and vibrant flavors that only this exceptional year could produce.
Ten Fun Facts About Foot Stomping Fruit
We are often asked about our tradition of foot stomping our grapes in the winemaking process. While it is a nod to our family members who did this is making their wines at home over a century ago, there are plenty of other reasons…so we thought we would give you a few here.
- Ancient Tradition: Foot stomping grapes is one of the oldest methods of winemaking, dating back thousands of years, with origins in regions like Rome and Greece.
- Gentle on Grapes: The human foot is surprisingly gentle and can crush the grapes sufficiently without breaking the seeds, which can release unwanted bitter tannins into the wine. (Especially gentle when you have little kids do it for you!)
- Natural Temperature Control: The temperature of human feet is ideal for the process, as it avoids overheating the grapes, which can happen with mechanical presses.
- Microbial Magic: The naturally occurring yeast on the skins of grapes starts the fermentation process. Some winemakers believe that the feet add to the natural yeast mix, although this is more romantic than scientific.
- Influence on Texture and Flavor: Beyond just crushing grapes, foot stomping can influence the texture and flavor profile of the wine, potentially leading to a more complex and nuanced final product, as it allows for a more selective extraction of juices and compounds from the grape skins.
- Sensory Experience: Winemakers who practice foot stomping often speak of the unique connection it gives them to their wine, describing it as a deeply sensory and traditional experience.
- Efficiency Debate: While romantic and traditional, foot stomping is much less efficient than modern mechanical methods, making it a rare sight in larger, commercial wineries.
- Cultural Celebrations: Many wine regions celebrate grape stomping as part of their harvest festivals, inviting guests to experience this traditional winemaking method firsthand.
- Sustainable Practice: For small batches and certain premium wines, foot stomping is viewed as a sustainable, low-impact method that aligns with organic and biodynamic farming practices.
- Limited Intervention Approach: Foot stomping aligns with the philosophy of minimal intervention winemaking. By using this traditional method, winemakers aim to create wines that are expressive of their terroir, believing that less mechanical processing allows the wine to retain more of its natural character and complexity.
We Are Hitting the Road!
The months of April and May have plenty of excitement packed in them, and we certainly hope to see some of you in our travels and at the select events in which we are taking part. Take a look:
- Did you know we have distribution in Arizona? Well, now you do! And if you happen to be out there next week, you can find Chris partnered up with our pals from Hereafter Wines at the following venues:
- April 10 – Unfiltered – Join us as we takeover this awesome spot and pour your PFW favorites in downtown Phoenix.
- April 11 – Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar – We head for the high country in Flagstaff to blow the doors off the joint with a killer wine dinner.
- April 12 – Mise en Place – Another takeover, this time in Scottsdale with one of our early fans of PFW in AZ.
- April 12 – Ristorante Giuseppe – The fun doesn’t end on Friday night at Mise en Place, as we crash the next door down for what promises to be a raucous BYOB dinner at this classic joint.
- April 27 – Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure
- We are back again for another great event in downtown Sonoma at the best tasting of small wineries anywhere! At this exclusive event, you will discover and taste amazing, cutting-edge wines from over 40 high-quality, micro-production, commercial wineries from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and many more Northern California wine regions. Get tickets and see why this event was named the #1 Wine Festival in the Country by USA Today.
- May 4 – AutoCamp Russian River: Tasting Under the Redwoods
- This place is so cool that–even though we live just 15 minutes away–we have even stayed here just to experience Air Stream awesomeness out at the river.
- First, we were just in CA. Then we spread to AZ. And now…TEXAS! Look out Austin area–Chris is headed your way in May.
- May 17-18 – Swallow Wines – We are not at liberty to reveal all the details as of yet, but Chris will be in the house with our friends Matt and Gabe in Round Rock, TX. The 18th will be the big show, with a bit of a sneak peek perhaps on the 17th? Be ready.
- May 25 – AutoCamp Russian River: Tasting Under the Redwoods
- We told you we loved this place, so yeah–we are doing it again before the month gets away from us!
Speaking of Hitting the Road…Want Us to Come Over?
Uncork some fun with one of our exclusive home tasting experiences! Imagine handpicking your favorite wines from our eclectic collection, tailored just for your taste buds. Have Dee or Chris or both (!) in your living room, spilling the secrets behind each sip and sharing the juicy tales of our wines. We’re all about hitting the comfort sweet spot, so we’ll bring this whole adventure to wherever you call home. In Sonoma or Napa at an AirBnB with friends? We can be there. Fancy a bite? Let’s mix and match those wines with great food pairings. And because we love a good chat, this is going to be as interactive and giggly as it gets – think of it as a mini-vacation to our winery without having to leave your couch. Shoot us an email at info@puppionefamilywines.com and let’s make the magic happen!
As Always…
We thank you for sharing time with us–for allowing us and the wines to be even a scene in the story of your life. With our FESTA bottles in hand, we toast the warmer days ahead and each of you. Cent’ Anni!