As someone whose been an environmentalist for over 20 years (admittedly more intensely at some times than others) I’m always skeptical of a company’s environmental claims. I’m curious, but skeptical and I tend to be a rather harsh critic of environmental claims. Despite my skepticism, I am somewhat impressed with Parducci Cellars. They seem to have some street cred behind their environmental claims. But they do appear to dance around the organic issue… I’ll get to that in a minute.
Parducci Cellars claims to be the first carbon neutral winery in the US. I admit that I’m sick of hearing about “carbon footprints” so let’s see what’s behind this claim. Some of the measures they have taken include converting lighting from incandescent to fluorescent, using solar energy, using bio-diesel tractors and cars, participating in a tree planting program and purchasing carbon credits. I’m not a big fan of the idea of buying carbon credits, but the other stuff… all good.
They also use 100% post-consumer recycled paper and tree-free paper in all their packaging, brochures, stationary, etc. Plus they use chlorine-free cardboard for their case boxes and soy based inks. I’ll give them a couple street cred points for that.
But when it comes to organic, I get a little confused as I read their materials. The wine is not labeled as organic. This could be because they use sulfites in the production process. But when I read closely, the skeptic in me comes out. They claim that their “vineyards are certified for their sustainable practices” and they say that their “synthetic chemical free farming practices are certified by California Certified Organic Farmers.” Read that closely. It says that their farming practices are certified, it does not state that their vineyards are certified organic. Also, they specify that it is their “synthetic chemical free farming practices” that are certified. Do they employ other farming practices? They make lots of references to organic farming, but nowhere do they make the claim that their vineyards are 100% organic.
It’s fine with me if they are not 100% certified organic, but if that’s the case I wish that they would clearly state it. Particularly if they are are going to include mentions of organic farming in their marketing materials. Just put it out there. Give us full disclosure and let us as consumers deal with it. That said, I am appreciative of their sustainable and bio-dynamic farming practices.
In addition to the favorable environmental practices of Parducci, there are two other things that impressed me about this producer: 1) A great tasting Zinfandel and 2) An outstanding price on that great tasting Zinfandel.
Parducci Mendocino Valley Zinfandel
Visually, this wine is bright red but less opaque than you might expect. Don’t let the thin appearance fool you though, as it has good intensity and is exceptionally enjoyable for the price. It’s not overly jammy like a lot of other Zins in this price range. The nose is rather dirty, kind of a dusty cedar chest aroma with some subtle dried cherry. The palate has crisp acidity with cherry and blackberry flavors. The tannins are soft and there is a hint of black pepper but the spice is much less intense than many other Zins. The finish is quite long and brings a subtle vanilla characteristic.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this one and I thought the $9.99 price was an outstanding value. This wine earned a solid 88 rating.
Wine: Parducci Mendocino Valley
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 88
Price Paid: $9.99