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The folks at Pellegrini trace their heritage in winemaking back to the early 1900s when brothers Nello and Gino Pellegrini arrived in New York City from their native Tuscany. After making their way to the West Coast, they became Sonoma County grape merchants in 1925, shipping grapes throughout the U.S. for home winemaking. In 1933, after repeal of Prohibition, the brothers established the original Pellegrini Wine Company, producing quality wines for many of San Francisco’s finest shops and restaurants. Today, the people of Pellegrini focus on producing high-quality varietals.  Here’s what our tasting panel thought about five of them.

Pell-Chard

Pellegrini 2012 Unoaked Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Sonoma County

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of green apple, Asian pear, and lemon rises up from a glass. Bright flavors of apple and pear are accented by notes of citrus and chalky earth on the palate. A crisp, clean Chardonnay that’s very well suited for food, fans of livelier whites will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 90

pell-Zin

Pellegrini 2011 Zinfandel

Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel

Region: Sonoma County

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of strawberries and raspberries mingle with hints of spice on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of lively red berries and plum accented by suggestions of white pepper and cedar.  It’s a light, approachable Zin that’s sure to please a crowd.

Rating: 88

Pell-Mer

Pellegrini 2010 Merlot

Grape(s): 100% Merlot

Region: Sonoma County

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of cherries and blackberries meld with notes of cedar and Italian seasoning on the nose.  The palate delivers flavors of blackberry, currants, and black cherry that open up into nuances of mocha, minerals, and toasty oak. A full-bodied Merlot, with a firm structure, it will hold up to a dish like roast beef or a few years in the cellar.

Rating: 88

Pell-Pinot

Pellegrini 2011 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Sonoma County

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Cherries, strawberries, and plums interweave with notes of sweet spice and spring flowers on the nose. With a sip, flavors cherry, plum, and raspberry unfold into suggestions of all-spice and earth. A smooth, Pinot with plush tannins and welcoming acidity, it’s a very drinkable wine.

Rating: 89

Pell-Cab

Pellegrini 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Sonoma County

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of blackberries, cherries, and currants are accented by notes of creamy oak and earth on the nose.  Flavors of black cherry, cassis, and blackberry mingle with hints of toasty oak and minerals on the palate. Nicely structured and fruit-driven, this is quite an approachable Cabernet.

Rating: 88