Prospect 772 Wine Company in the Sierra Foothills – A Hidden Gem
Background
Most people when coming up to Calaveras County wine country assume all the wineries/tasting rooms are located on Main Street Murphys. Many are located “off the main drag” and there you will find some unique and diverse wineries. Prospect 772 is not just one of them, but an enchanted winery in the vineyard.
Ron Pieretti, by way of Sheraton Palace and Rosenblum Cellars and Wendy Sanda are the founders of Prospect 772. They found the 25 acres in 2001 and never looked back. The name comes from working the land, or prospecting and their address 772 Appaloosa Road. They are listed as Angels Camp but are located off Highway 4 halfway between Copperopolis and Angels Camp. Their facility beyond acres of vineyards has the amenities for weddings, group events, camping, private dinners, picnics and few small overnight accommodations.
The focus of the winery are small batch fermentations selecting the best grapes available on site and around the state. The artisan wines are spectacularly delicious!
The Visit to Prospect 772
Ventured up to Prospect 772 with two winemakers from Livermore for taste and visit the weekend before Thanksgiving. The winemakers were Rhonda Wood from Wood Family Vineyards and Larry Dino from Cuda Ridge Wines. Their spouses and my spouse also attend. Ron hosted us for a complete review of his current offering. Starting out with his whites, Stepping Stones and Grenache Noir Sparkling.
While the conversations revolved around winemaking, vineyard management and all things related to the wine business/industry, we continued to move into the beautiful red wines.
First up was the 2020 “Brat” (as Ron and team have unique names for each), 87% Grenache and 13% Syrah blend. His description is as follows “a beautiful crimson color, with Bing cherry and blackberry notes, this vintage is a more restrained Brat. Elegant and refined like a more traditional French style Chateauneuf du Pape. Raspberry and tart cherry flavors are followed by soft tannins and subtle hints of smoke and leather”. While visiting Prospect 772 for the last six years, I had never enjoyed this wine as much as this day. Refreshing, clean and crisp, I left carring several bottles! Only 70 cases produced and goes for $39/bottle.
One of the other favorites tasted was the 2020 “Brawler”. This wine was a blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier. It possessed a beautiful garnet coloring, with a bouquet mix of aromas due to co-fermentation with the Viognier. Ron speaks of “rip plums and blackberries followed by red raspberry, cured meats, black pepper and all spice”. Again hitting a cord with me, again added to my cardboard case of goodies to enjoy later. Only 50 cases produced and it goes for $42/bottle.
During the visit at Prospect 772 we also enjoyed a couple of other wines produced. All were very good and spot on for the varietal(s) with always the Midas touch of quality and uniqueness by Ron. The conversations could have gone on for days as all three winemakers were knowledgeable and engaging sharing ideas and thoughts.
Thanks Ron for a wonderful afternoon hosting us.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 
November 26, 2022 at 9:34 pm
Just a quick note of appreciation and thankfulness for your posts. I’ve learned of so many new places to visit! Main Street Murphys is a true gem for wineaus! We were just in Plymouth and surrounding areas tasting great wines. Fleur de Lys, Bella Grace, and Rombauer. Keep on keepin’ on!
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