Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Paul Foppiano brings out the best in Petite Sirah in Sonoma

While the judgment of Paris brought California wine to the world's attention in 1976, it's easy to forget that wine in the Golden State has a much longer history.  The Foppiano family has played a role in the Sonoma wine country for more than a century -- and their eponymous winery dates back to 1896.

Today, Paul Foppiano - fifth generation of the family to work in the winery - leads the business and during his tenure, he has energetically worked to promote and elevate the quality of the family's flagship wine, Petite Sirah.  

During a media dinner in New York City, Paul Foppiano joined local writers for a special dinner at The Capital Grille, where we found that his rich and vibrant wines paired wonderfully with an array of show-stopping steaks. 

Here is a round up of the Foppiano wines he presented:

Foppiano Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - A lush wine with tropical notes on the nose and a palate that offered pineapple, lemon curd, and a dash of cream.  The wine was created with slow, cool fermentation and 10% of the wine was aged in French oak for three months. $19.99

Foppiano Estate Chardonnay 2017 - On the nose, the wine had honey and fresh hay aromas. The wine had a honey notes on the palate and a medium weight.  The precision of the wine making is reflected in the fact that a combination of 28% new and 72% used French oak barrels were used for 8 months.  In addition, 48% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The judicious use of oak aging, lees stirring, and malo is reflected in the wine - which offers richness without overwhelming the freshness of the fruit. $24.99

Foppiano Estate Pinot Noir 2017 - With an attractive rose petal note on the nose, this Pinot has bright acidity and tart cherries on the palate.  The vineyards undergo careful canopy management and shading grapes is an important step in keeping them from over-ripening.  A wine that would work across many dishes from chicken to pork to pastas. $34.99

Foppiano Estate Zinfandel 2016 - Sonoma and Zinfandel go together like peanut butter and jelly - but for my palate I have mostly found Zins to be too heavy and alcoholic.  The Foppiano Zinfandel was big, but not overwhelming, which I appreciated.  The aroma was full of pomegranate and the palate offered tart raspberry and cranberry.  The wine had good tannic grip, and would be perfect with barbecue and meat dishes.  $27.99

Foppiano Estate Petite Sirah 2016 - Cracked pepper aromas lead to a cherry cola palate with noticeable tannin - a wine with personality and richness. $24.99


Foppiano Estate Petite Sirah 2015 - A lush wine with black fruits and spice, with a brightness of acidity that lifts up the dense fruit.  A big wine but in balance. $24.99


Foppiano Estate Petite Sirah 2014 - With six years of age, the Foppiano Petite Sirah achieved elegance with a plush mouthfeel.  Crushed ripe black cherries and blackberries explode on the palate with well integrated tannin and a very long finish.  Clearly these are wines that can be enjoyed with age. $24.99


Foppiano 96 Red blend 2017 -  This "field blend" style project - including Petite Sirah, Barbera, Zinfandel and Mouvedre - offers a bit of spice with raspberry and cranberry notes.  A big, fun wine that honors the legacy of lands purchased in 1896 by the Foppiano family. $12.99

With Paul at the helm, Foppiano winery has plenty of award-winning wines to offer.  If a prime cut of steak is in your future, reach for one of his Petite Sirahs for a deliciously bold match.




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