The Honest Pour with John Lenart

Andrea Cecchi leads the fourth generation of his family in the wine business. Not only is Andrea dedicated to making wines of outstanding quality and value, but he also is the pioneer of the Maremma growing area. The coastal area of Maremma was traditionally a farming area of crops other than grapes. But today, under the guidance of Andrea, some fabulous vermentino is being grown.

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                                   Andrea Cecchi, CEO Cecchi

2016 Cecchi La Mora Vermantino

Explosive aromas of tropical fruit and white flowers. Luscious flavors of papaya, banana and pear anre backed up by limestone minerality and bright acidity.

SRP: $15

 2014 Cecchi Chianti

Nose of violet and fresh cherry. Straight forward flavors of cherry, tobacco, and hints of leather. Silk smooth tannin and good acidity

SRP: $14

2014 Cecchi Chianti Classico

Complex nose of cherry, earth, and violet. Earth flavors of dried cherry, tobacco, dried herbs and bold tannins with solid acidity make for a well-balanced wine.

SRP: $15

2013 Cecchi Chianti Riserva di Famiglia

Elegant nose of violets, herbs, earth, and red berries. Complex and silky on the palate. Flavors of bing cherry, cedar, earth, combine with wonderfully bright acidity and bold tannins. Drink now through 5 years.

SRP: $28

The history of the Pellegrini family in the California wine industry goes back to before prohibition. Today, that heritage and history is fostered by Fred Reno, President of Olivet Lane Estate and Pellegrini Wine Co. We sat down to talk with Fred about the heritage of the company and its special vineyard in Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane.

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Fred Reno, President Olivet Lane Estate and Pellegrini Wine Co.

2014, Pellegrini “Unoaked” Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Medium yellow to clear rim. Nose of cream fraiche, dried apple and white flower. Medium full body with a round medium acidity. Flavors of red apple are followed by lime leaf, chalky minerality and a long finish.

SRP: $24

2014 Pellegrini Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Pretty light ruby color to a pinkish rim. Nose of fresh cherry and strawberry followed by violets and earth. This light bodies=d wine has delicate tannins that let the delicate under-ripe berry and earth flavors play harmoniously with earthiness and acidity.

SRP: $35

2014 Olivet Lane Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Star bright light golden color. Delicate, elegant nose of apple, chalk and lemon peel. This full bodied wine has mellow acidity, with flavors of apple, and a touch of citrus on the finish that highlights wonderful acid which is integrated with perfume and minerality. Super long and luxurious finish.

SRP: $45

2014 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Bright ruby color. Aromas of violet, cherry, leather, funky earth and mushroom and cocoa. Lush velvety texture. Flavors of bright over-ripe cherry, tobacco, earth, cocoa, with a spicy exciting finish that is long elegant and integrated.  Drinking nice now but 3-5 years of aging will pay off.

SRP: $65