From Sue Ryan,
Testarossa Lead Wine Educator
This week we will be releasing our 2021 Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Our staff had the opportunity to try the wines this past weekend and they are incredible! I will get to them in a bit as I thought I would start with a brief history of the Sierra Mar Vineyard.
The Sierra Mar Vineyard is owned and farmed by the Franscioni Family: Gary, Rosella, Nick, Adam and Tamara. Gary Franscioni is a third-generation farmer. The family planted mostly row crops, lemons and avocados. Gary Franscioni saw his childhood friend, Gary Pisoni was having success planting grapes. He saw Nicky Hahn was also having success growing grapes in the Santa Lucia Highlands. And, Gary Franscioni started tasting and enjoying wine. Perfect timing. Fun Fact: Gary Franscioni was a Food Science major at Cal Poly!
Sierra Mar Vineyard also grows more than Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Also planted are Grenache, Viognier and Syrah. At a recent Testarossa University class we were lucky to be able to taste the Syrah and Grenache. Fantastic!
In 2004, Gary had 1000 acres being used for cattle grazing. Great soil but no water. He invested in pumps to push the water three miles up from the Salinas River to the land at 1,000 feet. This is now the Sierra Mar Vineyard.
The Franscionis are meticulous farmers. Each vine and cluster at Sierra Mar are touched every twelve to fourteen days!
Let’s check out Testarossa’s new releases from Sierra Mar!
“Pale straw hue. Abundant scents of ripe fig, ripe pear, melon, apple, and nectarine provide some nice lift to this wine. Once on the palate, these qualities unite with notes of grapefruit. The texture exhibits the higher altitude where the vineyard resides, showcasing brightness, liveliness, and precise tannins. This Chardonnay finishes with a refreshing element and a persistence touting it’s likely long lifespan ahead.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Growers: Franscioni Framily
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 1000 feet; Southeast
Soil: Decomposed granite/gravelly loam
Vineyard Age: 14 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Pressed Whole-cluster, fermented in French Oak
Cooperage & Ageing: 18 months in 100% French Oak, 43% new
Production: 14 barrels
Composition: 100% Chardonnay (Clone 95 & Clone 96)
Acidity: 3.31 pH, 6.69 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 24, 2023, hand harvested
Club Release: June 2023
Release Price: $55
Drink Now through 2030
“Deep red hue. Aromas of ripe cranberry jam, cherry cola, and custard leap out of the glass. Secondary notes of anise and blackberry provide complexity and intrigue as this Pinot Noir opens up. With flavors of cranberry, cherry, and blackberry, the mouthfeel of this wine is pleasing and framed by firm, yet full tannins. With modest acidity and persistent textural adventures in the palate, this Pinot Noir ends nicely with freshness and density. Enjoy now through 2031.”
~ Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
Growers: Franscioni Family
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 1000 feet; Southeast
Soil: Decomposed granite/gravelly loam
Vineyard Age: 14 years
Viticulture Practice: Sustainable (SIP Certified)
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 18 months in French oak, 70% new
Production: 20 barrels
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (Pisoni Clone)
Acidity: 3.45 pH, 6.54 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: September 24, 2021, hand harvested
Club Release: June 2023
Release Price: $76
Drink Now through 2031
