Interview with Chris Puppione of Puppione Family Wines

Every wine ever made is a result of a series of decisions. Each decision, especially early in the process, lays the wine’s foundation and structure. The wines Chris Puppione makes are exquisite examples of place and variety—such purity and honesty. The five that I tasted with Chris made me excited for the future. I felt like I escaped into great series on Netflix, and I eagerly await the coming seasons to see how this story evolves.  

Coming from a winemaking background it is immediately apparent to me that each wine was made with incredible attention to detail—signaling thoughtful decisions that honor time, place, and cultivar. Without exception, these wines are graceful, elegantly structured, and full of enchanting character. Currently production stands at fewer than 500 cases, so don’t miss out on an opportunity to experience these wines. I whole-heartedly recommend all of them.  

2022 Puppione "FESTA Bianco" Sierra Foothills Friulano $24.95 Artfully composed of 100% organically farmed, whole-cluster-pressed Friulano that underwent native-yeast fermentation and aged in stainless steel and neutral French oak. It rings clear as a bell both on the nose and the palate. Brisk aromas of white blossoms, bright citrus, fresh ripe pear, and tangerine zest. The palate is dry, with subtle jasmine florals, crisp pear, bright tangerine, and a wisp of bitter almond on the finish. Chris refers to Festa Bianco as a casual white blend, which is a humble under-promise as it provides a colossally generous and complex delivery.   

2022 Puppione "FESTA Rosso" California Red Blend $29.95 This chillable red is a smile in a glass, made of 45% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Friulano. On both the nose and palate comes a jasmine whisper from the Fruilano, followed by fresh red cherries, black plum, pomegranate, and violet. Vivacious acidy with food-friendly tannins. I can see Festa Rosso being an invigorating reward at day’s end. The ideal pairing would be with friends, music, great conversations, and yummy snacks—or in a comfy chair with a good book and a purring cat in your lap. Don’t forget to give this wine a slight chill—it’ll really shine at a lower temperature.  

2021 Puppione "Volta" California Rhône Blend $39.95 Named after the turning point in Italian poetry, Volta seduces with 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre whole-cluster, native yeast fermentation. It’s unbridled with lots of personality.Both fresh and dried fruit swirl on the nose—baskets of cherries and plums with a touch of garrigue. On the palate—cherry, juicy plum, rhubarb, dried sage, and pipe tobacco. The tannins are approachable so it can be enjoyed now but will also age gracefully. *Gold Medal, 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition* 

2021 Puppione "INTERO - Don Miguel Vineyard" Russian River Valley Syrah $44.95 Intero means “whole” in Italian. Made with 100% whole-cluster Syrah from Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley. Aged in neutral oak. Naked Syrah in all its beautiful glory with layers and layers of flavor—fresh black plum, sexy bacon, black tea refinement, with an expansive finish. Great texture—lively with food-friendly acidity. Another one that can be enjoyed now or aged further. *94 points, Hidden Gem, Wine Enthusiast* 

2021 Puppione "MAGARI" Sonoma County Proprietary Red Blend $54.95 Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% whole-cluster Syrah, both organically farmed. Foot tread and fermented with native yeast. Strikes a perfect balance between the two varieties. Cleanly defined—full of life and energy. The winemaker allows the place and varieties come to us. The nose recalls summertime golden hour in Russian River—the skin of a freshly picked Santa Rosa plum, lavender, sweet sun-dried grasses—filling me with a sentimental longing for summer in wine country. Pure cassis and plum on the palate, with tobacco, sage, and violet—bringing me back to earth in an ephemeral moment of satisfaction. *Gold Medal, 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition & 92 points Wine Enthusiast*  

 See the video below for my conversation with Chris.

- Kerry Kirkham, K&L Writer/Editor