VINEYARDS GARYS' VINEYARDAsk the Grower: An Interview with Gary Franscioni
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County)
Owner: Gary Pisoni & Gary Franscioni
Acreage (for Testarossa):
- Pinot Noir, 5 acres, planted in 1997
- Syrah, 1.5 acres, planted in 1997
Soil Composition: Sandy loam
Elevation: 300-400 feet
Exposure: East/southeast-facing hillside
Climate: Marine influenced, cool, foggy mornings and evenings, sunny, breezy afternoons, highs from the low 70s to upper 80s, lows in the 50s.
First Testarossa vintage:
1999- Pinot Noir; 1999-Syrah The Garys' Vineyard is a partnership between two Garys – Gary Pisoni, the owner of the famous Pisoni Vineyard in Monterey County's Santa Lucia Highlands and Gary Franscioni, the owner of the Rosella's Vineyard, also in the Santa Lucia Highlands. This naturally low yielding vineyard is comprised of 42 acres of Pisoni Clone Pinot Noir and 8 acres of Syrah. Combined, the two families have over 200 years of farming experience in Monterey County.
