ORSI PAPALE ESTATE WINES Sonoma California
Media and Trade Information

Backgrounder

COORDINATES: 1308 Main Street, Suite 117, St. Helena, CA 94574
Phone: 707-963-1715; Fax 707-963-0706
www.orsipapale.com
email: winery@orsipapale.com

TASTING BY APPOINTMENT:
Phone: (707) 963-1715

FOUNDED: 2000, by Lawrence Papale and Bernard Orsi

MANAGEMENT: Bernard Orsi, Proprietor, Vineyard Owner
Lawrence Papale, Proprietor, Winemaker

VINEYARDS: All wines are made entirely from the estate’s vineyards in Sonoma County in Russian River and Dry Creek and in Napa County in St. Helena.

All wines made entirely from the winery’s estate vineyards on the hillsides above Mill Creek, along Eastside Road and along Dry Creek Road in the Sonoma Valley. Orsi Papale’s vineyards are located in both the Russian River Valley Appellation and in the Dry Creek Valley Appellation. Bernie Orsi chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Pinot Noir and southern and western exposures for the Cabernet Sauvignon.

CURRENT RELEASES: 2007 Dry Creek Cabernet ($40),
2009 Russian River Pinot Noir ($35),
2006 La Mescalanza ($45) (Cabernet/Merlot Blend)

PRODUCTION: Approximately 500 cases per vintage
(all wines are estate grown)

HOSPITALITY: Vineyard Tours and Tastings by request, conducted by Lawrence or Bernie.

THE ESTATE: Estate vineyards owned by Bernie Orsi in Russian River and Dry Creek appellations, Sonoma County; proprietary vineyard planted to Merlot, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc farmed by Bernie and Lawrence in St. Helena, Napa County.

HISTORY: Bernie Orsi and Lawrence Papale have been friends for over thirty years. In 1995 they partnered to produce their first small lot of Orsi Papale wine. Bernie’s exceptional vineyard sites in the Dry Creek and Russian River appellations of Sonoma County and Lawrence’s dedication to old-world winemaking technique resulted in several County Fair blue ribbons. In 2000 Orsi Papale presented its first commercial vintage. Our philosophy is to fashion wines that reflect the vitality and individuality of our estate vineyards.

About Us: Established in 2001, Orsi Papale embodies the shared vision of Bernie Orsi and Lawrence Papale, one dedicated to the vineyard and the other to winemaking, have produced highly regarded artisan pinots and cabernets. For over 15 years, we have remained committed to handcrafting small-lot wines, with an exclusive focus on Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Our benchmark wines embody our passionate approach to winemaking and winegrowing in sunny California.

Winemaking: At Orsi Papale, we emphasize quality at every stage of the winemaking process. We source our grapes from the finest portions of the Orsi vineyards, applying a benchmark artisan winemaking style that permits us to be consistent from year to year while still embracing cutting-edge cellar technique. All to achieve that elusive goal: exceptional quality year after year. We strive to create wines that are moderate in alcohol and well-balanced for enjoyment now or after aging.

THE NAME: Bernard Orsi and Lawrence Papale

Our Retailers

Orsi Papale Estate Wines are available in the following restaurants and retail stores:

San Francisco
Alioto’s #8
Belden Taverna Brindisi
Capannina
Nonna's
Cafe Tiramisu
Wine Trading Company, Taraval

Northbay
Cook, Main Street, St. Helena
Sunshine Market, Main Street, St. Helena

East Bay
1515 Restaurant, Walnut Creek
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Walnut Creek

South Bay
Cava Bistro & Wine Bar, Capitola
Mangiamo, Santa Cruz

Sacramento
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Sacramento