Pontin del Roza Offers Experienced Winemaking at Incredibly Reasonable Prices

My first experience with Pontin del Roza Winery was at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival in 1986. Winemaker Scott Pontin showcased one of his inaugural wines; an all-at-once sweet, tart and fruity chenin blanc with a flashy pink and silver label. I was hooked after just one sip.

Over 25 years later, Pontin’s newer label (hopefully, like many of us) carries a more mature and elegant persona, but his commitment to consistently solid and affordable Washington wines remains unchanged.

Some of Pontin’s family emigrated from Italy to the Yakima Valley in the 1940’s. His parents have been farming the same land since 1954, and today’s estate vineyards in Prosser comprise over 100 acres of 10 different varietals.

I’ve been enjoying a number of Pontin del Roza wines as of late, and here are some of my favorites:

2010 Chenin Blanc (about $10) – Just as it did decades ago, this tasty white wine continues to impress. Pineapple and tropical fruit aromas, apple and papaya flavors, and a lengthy finish of Bartlett pear with a smack of honey highlight this insanely underpriced wine.

2010 Pinot Grigio (about $12) – After of whiff of lychee, generous pear and granny smith apple flavors kick in. The end notes suggest a whisper of clover and alfalfa, along with the varietal’s signature acidity.

2010 Dolcetto (about $15) and 2008 Sangiovese (about $18) – Here are a couple of Old World-style reds that beg to be paired with food. The dolcetto features gentle flavors of cherry tomato and red berries, while the sangiovese shines with earthy aromatics, dried cherry flavors and brisk acidity. I’d suggest serving either one with an antipasti platter of mozzarella cheese, roma tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar and thinly sliced prosciutto.

2008 Merlot (about $18) – There’s a hint of blackberry on the nose along with substantial plum and black cherry flavors. Chalky, chewy tannins also supply a nice bit of structure.

2009 Vino de Tavola (about $13) – Despite the simple, “table wine” tag, this wine explodes with cherry, blackberry, black pepper, spice and lively, textured tannins. At this pocketbook-friendly price, it could easily be your everyday red wine of choice.

Pontin del Roza’s sleek, contemporary tasting room is located just a few minutes north of Interstate 82 in Prosser, and well worth the visit.

Try the Cordata Community Food Co-op for Pontin del Roza wines, or phone the winery at (509) 786-4449 to order wines and arrange for pick-up at other local grocers.