Winemaker Profile: Fritz Winery

CHRISTINA PALLMANN

by Millie Howie
Early in the morning of her first day back at work after her vacation, Fritz Winery winemaker, Christina Pallmann was visiting her “children” in the cellar. Thief in one hand and glass in the other, Christina approached the clusters of barrels a section at a time, siphoned up a sample, and gave it a hearty sniff and an appreciative sip.
First into the glass was Sauvignon Blanc. There are two wines in the Sauvignon Blanc program and both are right where Christina wants them to be. Next she dipped into the Russian River Valley and Reserve Pinot Noirs, initiated by Christina and the winery’s previous consulting winemaker, Merry Edwards. Her smile is a sure sign that these wines are progressing as she hoped.
Moving on to the Chardonnays, she notes that some changes she made in the Reserve wine – using all Russian River Valley fruit in its blend, had produced the results she wanted, making the Reserve the most opulent of their Chardonnay offerings.
Moving down a tier in the entirely underground winery, Christina notes the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is about ready for its final racking. “It is super elegant,” she states, obviously pleased, “with plenty of richness on the palate.”
The tasting concludes with the delightful “baby doll pink” Rosé that owes its blushing beauty, rose petal aroma and refreshing flavor to Christina’s blend that includes small percentages of all the red wines in the Fritz portfolio.
Christina did not grow up with the intention of becoming a winemaker. “Until my brother, Thoma, married into the Latour family I knew nothing about wine,” she admits. “I had always thought I would follow in my dad’s footsteps and become a part of the diplomatic corps, but after wine caught my attention I enrolled at the University of California at Davis where I graduated with a degree in enology in 1999.”
During her student days she interned with a number of prestigious wineries in the Napa Valley and after graduation she worked in France and New Zealand, building an excellent background of practical winemaking knowledge and learning the importance of good viticultural practices. Back in the United States she became winemaker for Fritz in March 2002. “I really liked the opportunity to work for a family winery with access to superb vineyards,” she observes, “and I spend a lot of time looking for vineyards that show their own character in the wines. One thing you learn about grape growing and winemaking,” she adds, “ is that no matter how hard you study and apply yourself, there is always something new to learn.”
To taste the Fritz wines, visit the winery at 24691 Dutcher Creek Road, Cloverdale. For information about joining the club, the history of the winery or information about the staff and facilities, call (707) 894-3389.