Balletto Winery, Russian River Valley Estate, Pinot Noir, 2017

Description

John Balletto began farming in 1977 at the tender age of 17. He had just graduated from high school and due to the untimely death of his father, gave up what looked like a promising college football and track career. With $200 in the bank and five acres in Sebastopol, California, John began farming produce with help from his mother, Hazel.

The Balletto Family has over 600 acres in the Russian River Valley and select 10% from many different clones and soil types to make their wine. They feel fortunate to sell the remaining 90% of their grapes to other wineries.

In July 2010, the Balletto Family was honored being awarded the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year.