HOME
WINES
WINERY
HISTORY
SALES
CLUB
NEWS
FAQs
FAMILY
RECIPES
PASO
VISIT
WRITE
Fratelli Perata Winery

Wines

Fratelli Perata was established in 1987 by the Perata brothers, Gino and Joe. We use only the grapes of our vineyards which were planted in 1980. these are hand - made wines, total production  just 2,000 cases yearly. We believe low tonnage, small  grape berries  combined with new oak barrels produce big, complex wines suitable for aging, yet  drinkable in their youth, due to soft Paso Robles tannins. Unfined and unfiltered.

  • For prices, please consult our order form

  • Check out our Wine Club

  • Tech Sheets. We have full notes on selected wines in .pdf format for easy printing. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Click on the Tech button.

  • Tech Sheets for older vintages are available in our Tech Sheet Archive.


Wines We Produce

For a small family winery, we produce a number of wines, many of which come and go quickly throughout the year. 

Many of our wines need time so we don't release them right away. Think what would be library wines elsewhere are our first releases.

Check our order form for what is currently in stock. 

Here's some of what we've made recently:

This page contains our current notes in "web" format. You can also get extended notes in a .pdf printable version of the notes by clicking on the "tech" button.


2017 Bambino Grande

BAMBINO. Gino's maternal grandfather, had a joy for life and was fun loving. These are the characteristics we imparted into our Bambino Grande. This wine is fun loving and full of joyh. Like Bambino's fun-loving style don't worry what the blend is, just enjoy. In true Super Tuscan style, Sangiovese based blend that is meant for enjoyment with any meal.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")

2018 Bambino Grande

This is our classic Super Tuscan style blend named after Gino’s maternal grandfather, Bambino. He loved to have fun and party, so take his view on life and enjoy his namesake wine with good friends and delicious food. This vintage has nice tannin with more fruity notes taking on the strawberry and cherry of a dry-weather Sangiovese. Pair with creamy Shallot and Chive Spread on crusty bread.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")

2016 Barbera

Some wines are very predictable; some wines you have to taste to decide if you like it. Barberas are in between. If you have tasted a Barbera from a producer and enjoyed it, you’ll probably like all of the Barberas they produce, even though there will be some variation year to year. It’s one of the fun things about Barbera: there are lots out there and each winemaker makes theirs a little different. Some aim lighter and more acidic (usually Italian ones), some aim heavy and really ripe (lots of California ones), and some aim in the middle (that’s us) with some acidity but good tannin and body to balance it. This vintage of Barbera is slightly lighter than the last few, with a little bite of acidity and some dryness on the finish. While it will benefit from a little aging, with food it is pretty darn delicious right now. Try it with Burmese Soup and prepare to swoon.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")

2017 Barbera

Barbera is most prominently found in Italy’s Piedmont region It has been in our vineyard since 2002. The varietal is typically known for its deep color, full body, low tannins, and big acid. This vintage is no different. Nice tannins and acid will pair nicely with a big flavorful meal like Char Siu.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")

2018 Barbera

A respected Piemontese varietal, this Barbera is tart fruity and flavorful. Its full-bodied nature offers brightness in its cherry flavors and richness in its aroma. Barbera is one of the most food friendly wines and finds a happy match with almost any Italian dish. Pair this one with an Italian Stuffed Easter Bread

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2018 Bel Bruzzo

Fratelli Perata 2018 Bel Bruzzo, Estate Because nothing in life is ever confusing, this grape variety is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. It is not the variety of Sangiovese from Tuscany, Montepulciano. It is from the region of Abruzzo, Italy, which is east of Rome. Planted in our vineyard as homage to our maternal great-grandmother, it gives us a full black cherry wine, tannic when young, settling down with some short aging. It will age for 10 years, but tastes the same as when bottled. Why wait? This vintage is from an almost normal rain year, 14.6 inches. But much of that rain was late and all at once. Poor vines, good wine. The taste at release is tight and full-bodied. Please age 6 months or decant, then pair with Salisbury Steak with brown butter sauce.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva

Another stellar wine from the 2017 vintage! This Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva is another big, deep, drink me wine. Following suit with the 2017 vintage this Cab is fruity and approachable. With the classic Cab cherry notes and a nice tannin/acid balance, pair this one with Osso Buco.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva

The Cabernet vines in our vineyard are old, dating back to the early 1980’s. Thethick knotty vines are feeling their age and are weather and drought worn. The combination produces tiny berries with thick skins which offers a very bold and assertive wine showing heavy fruit notes and high chalky tannin in its youth

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")

2018 Charbono

Originally from the alpine vineyards of the Savoie in eastern France, it is now mostly grown in Napa Valley. In 2019 there were only 77 acres planted in the whole of CA. 9 of which is planted in SLO County and 1.8 of which is planted on our hillside here in Paso Robles. Plummy tarty fig notes are present. Don’t let the dark color fool you, this is light bodied enough to pair with any food. In fact, egg foo young is our recommended pairing for this 2018 vintage.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2019 Charbono

Charbono was first introduced to California by Inglenook in 1941. Still produced by Inglenook in the 1970s, it became Carol’s first favorite. This is the primary reason we produce it. There are only about 75 acres of this varietal planted in all of California. We are proud to have our couple acres of it here in Paso Robles. This vintage profiles with a rich fruity note of plum, fig and spice with a dose of French oak coming through.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")

2018 Mafalda

2018 was relatively gentle on the vines and the grapes ripened easily with pH/TA close to perfect. Color intensity and grape concentration were astounding. Mafalda, our blend of Cab. Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, show all these traits of the 2018 harvest. Earthy notes enveloped in pepper with a splash of fruit. Pair with Crespelle with Mushroom.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2019 Mafalda

This blend honors Gino’s Mama, Mafalda, who enjoyed smooth, earthy wines but did not like to wait for them to age. So, we took our earthy Cab Franc she loved and added some velvety Merlot. This wine makes a good match to any earthy or mushroom dish. This vintage is spicy and fruity and finds its match with Seafood Risotto.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")

2019 Merlot

From our old vines we give you Merlot. Awarded all of our gold medals, our Merlot has even survived the movie Sideways. This 2019 Merlot has a balance of fresh acidity and soft tannins. It is full-bodied without being overpowering. Its deep color is filled with cherry and blackberry notes. Pair with Dijon Mustard in various ways. 

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2018 Petit Verdot 

This varietal is known for its intense tannin and low acidity. This 2018 vintage surprised us with softer tannins and a heavier dose of acid. While it presents big boysenberry fruit this wine is soft in its youth and will not need the age our typicalPetit Verdot requires. Pair with a Cuban Reuben.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2018 Petite Sirah

This deep inky wine comes from tiny berries with low pulp to skin ratio. We fight the tiny amount of grapes the vines provide us through the crusher and we are given a spicy smoky fruit packed wine that carries lots of tannin and nice full-bodied mouth feel. Pair with rich, fatty foods in its youth or a nice dark chocolateand sip by itself when aged.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2016 Sangiovese

Gino’s heritage, Italian and Carol’s usual favorite for dinnertime. Need more information than that? How much time do you have? Sangiovese, originating and most famous in the Tuscany region of Italy is subject to a zillion interpretations. In uncaring hands the vine can produce high tons/acre and a pale, acidic wine. It is a variety that responds well to love and attention in the best classic sense, starting in the vineyard by thinning clusters and leaves so the grapes capture the best sunlight. Let the grapes mature past a high acid, but not so low to be flat. Let them be nonirrigated, pulling the minerals from the soil. Let the sugars rise and the flavor develop to strawberry and lavender notes. Barrel it in the older barrels, whose tannins have been softened already. Let it sleep in those barrels. Then you bottle a Sangiovese with character that can be drunk at your family’s finest celebrations. This vintage shows the elegance of Sangiovese: lighter bodied with slightly more acid; floral notes of lavender and violets. It needs a little time to mellow and then pair it with some Tuscan Zuppa!

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2017 Sangiovese

From our vineyard, we give you Sangiovese, a clone from the most respected Brunello Region. Following the true Italian traditions, we barrel age for four years in neutral oak. This approach lets the wine settle and subtly age without taking on too much oak influence. A young Sangiovese has fresh strawberry and spiciness.When aged the acid and fruit soften leaving a silky wine

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2018 Sangiovese

Our Sangiovese grapes are from the most respected Brunello di Montalcino clone, which is one of Italy’s most prestigious and rare wines. While usually barrel aged in neutral oak, this vintage Gino decided to try 20% new French oak
as done by the Italians. This vintage leans more towards cherry flavors with a hint of tobacco with tart acidity. It also shows hints of vanilla from the oak.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2016 Tre Sorelle 

This wine is named in appreciation of and in fondness for our three daughters; all born after the vines were planted, but before the winery opened to the public. An Italian translation of “three sisters”, it is fitting that each daughter has brought her own flair to the family. Here is bold and rich Cabernet Sauvignon, approachable and aspiring Merlot, deep and moody Cabernet Franc. Who is represented by which wine? When blended, it doesn’t matter. It’s synergy of the group. It’s classic. In the French style, but with an Italian heart.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2017 Tre Sorelle 

Named fondly after the three daughters, we also celebrate that these three varietals are like “sisters” as well. A classic Bordeaux blend, all the wines have their own characteristics, but have similar traits. This vintage is particularly good, with robust tannin, bright fruit and good acidity. Ready to drink now with some breathing or decanting and robust foods like Bacon, Onion, and Gruyere Hot Dip.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2018 Tre Sorelle 

Named in honor of the three sisters, the Tre Sorelle, represents three grape varietals working together to produce an exceptional wine. A bold and rich Cab, a smooth and pleasant Merlot, blended with the flair and spice of Cab. Franc. This 2018 vintage is no different with spicy fruit notes and a nice acid and tannin balance. Enjoy with a slice of Chocolate Cake.

Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2018 Zinfandel

If you look up the history of wine in Paso Robles, you will find Zin. It was the first wine grape planted in the area and the most prominent for many decades. Now, everyone raves about the Rhone varieties and Zinfandel has been left in the history books. Well not here at Fratelli Perata! We still love our old fashioned Zin, which was part of our original plantings in 1980. Lighter, fruity and just a little spicy, this wine pairs excellent with our Central Coast faire. The 2018 vintage is a little richer and fruit forward due to another low rainfall season, but is still ready for enjoyment now. Pair it with Beef Tagine with Butternut Squash to maximize your enjoyment


Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")

2019 Zinfandel

Picked from our head pruned vines, this vintage brings deep fruity nuances of raspberries and notes of pepper and cinnamon. A light tannic structure allows for a few years of aging and pairing with ability to pair with flavorful dishes. Pair this vintage with Better Homes and Garden’s 1996 edition Pork with Sweet Potatoes and Apples.


Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")


2020 Zinfandel

Not our typical Zinfandel but still a rich and smooth balanced wine with nice acidity and sweetness. This Zinfandel has a heavy sweetness of ripe raspberry jam with muted black pepper on the palate. Late summer heat sent the 40-year-old vine’s fruit to a rich ripeness. Enjoy after dinner with chocolate or with dinnerwith a Pulled Pork Sandwich.


Tech .pdf printable extended Notes for the current vintage ("Tech Sheet")