Parducci Wine Cellars has been making dependable and affordable wines for quite a few years now. This Mendocino producer is both sustainably farmed and carbon neutral. For me the first varietal that comes to mind with Parducci is Petite Sirah, but they have a range of selections. Today I’ll look at two current release blends.
The 2008 Sustainable White is a blend of Chenin Blanc (41.5%), Sauvignon Blanc (38%), Viognier (12%), Muscat Canelli (7.5%) and Friulano (1%). 9,000 cases of this offering were produced and the suggested retail price is $10.99.
Fresh fruit aromas fill the nose of this 2008 blend; Lychee fruit is prominent with vanilla bean underscoring it. Hints of tangerine and mango come through in the palate along with gentle wisps of cantaloupe. The finish is spicy and lovely with sufficient length. This wine is balanced by good acidity and is perfectly suited to pair with food.
The 2006 Sustainable Red is a blend of Zinfandel (39%), Syrah (26%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Carignane (12%).This offering was aged over 26 months in a combination of oak barrels and neutral redwood tanks. 9,000 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $10.99.
The nose of Sustainable Red is filled with red raspberry notes. Vanilla and thyme player a smaller but still decent sized role. The palate shows off a medley of dry fruit flavors. Cranberry, sour black cherry, strawberry and blackberry are all part of things. Hints of rhubarb emerge on the finish along with black pepper. This wine is even keeled with good acidity. As with the white blend this is tailor made for food. What’s particularly impressive is that none of the varietals shine above the rest. They’re seamlessly joined together to form a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Both of these wines from Parducci are really nice values. They’re each meant to pair with food though the white in particular also drinks well on its own. For just about $10 these are interesting selections, made with care and a conscience that you won’t mind opening on a Tuesday night with a slice of pizza or Chinese takeout.