I confess. Until I joined “A Virtual Sip of Lodi” on Snooth earlier this month, I thought this California wine region was almost all about Zinfandel.
“Zin” is jammy. It’s just not my jam!
Via the virtual sip – and actual sips of six Lodi wines – I learned that this region actually has quite a few shining stars in its wine firmament, including grape varieties from Rhone (France), Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, and South Africa.
*Please note that while the wines for this post were provided, opinions are my own.
From the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET):
“The Lodi AVA [American Viticultural Area] straddles Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties… Although it is geographically within the Central Valley, the AVA lies east of the huge Sacramento Delta and thus benefits each day from the cooling breezes from San Francisco Bay.”
The climate in Lodi is hot during the summer months, but the nights cool down to 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. These cool nights lock in acidity. That means Lodi producers can grow red varieties that can’t stand the heat elsewhere. Acid in red wines is what makes them food friendly.
Here’s another fact about Lodi: Many of the growers are pioneers of sustainable viticulture through a comprehensive green certification program known as the Lodi Rules. There are approximately 47,000 acres certified under Lodi Rules – half in Lodi, almost half in 12 other California AVAs, and 550 acres in Israel.
Onto the wines!
Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards 2018 Ingénue
35% Clairette Blanche, 35% Grenache Blanc, 20% Bourboulenc and 10% Picpoul Blanc
Lodi Rules Certified Green
Suggested Retail Price: $32
Release Date: July 2019
Flowery honeysuckle on the nose and a lemon-limey finish. Round mouthfeel. Refreshing! Perfect for drinking on its own or paired with soft cheeses or grilled shrimp. This sample was the first of the six wines we finished.
m2 Wines 2018 Vermentino
Lodi Rules Certified Green
Suggested Retail Price: $20
Release Date: April 2019
A veritable pear tree on the nose of this Vermentino. Light body. Crisp acidity. A hint of almond and slightly grassy on the finish. Feels fresh as the great outdoors. Pair with guacamole, green salads or lemon-pepper chicken.
LangeTwins Winery & Vineyards 2018 Aglianico Rosé
Lodi Rules Certified Green
Suggested Retail Price: $20
Release Date: New release, winery exclusive
Juicy strawberries in a glass and (wait for it) a hint of rhubarb on the finish. Deep pink, dry and delicious. So good with baked salmon and a spring medley of snap peas and pearl onions.
Mettler Family Vineyards 2016 Pinotage
Lodi Rules Certified Green
Suggested Retail Price: $25
Release Date: Winery exclusive
Warm cooked cherry and tobacco entwine on the nose, followed by a spicy and earthy finish. Whoa! This wine just begs for grilled meat. This was my first Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault), and my peers say it is nothing like some South African versions that hint of meat and rubber. None of that in this one!
PRIE Winery 2016 Ancient Vine (1900), Block 4 Spenker Ranch
Old-Vine Carignane
Suggested Retail Price: $29
Release Date: May 2019
A cherry bomb! On the nose, this ruby red Carignane is like picking ripe cherries off the tree. Then it’s like a sour cherry candy lingering in your mouth. Long peppery finish. If you’re looking for a change from Pinot Noir, this is your wine. Roast turkey or duck would pair well with this wine.
Michael David Winery 2016 Ink Blot Cabernet Franc
Lodi Rules Certified Green
Suggested Retail Price: $35
“Ink Blot” is an apt name for this Cabernet Franc. Blackberry, plum, and anise on the nose give way to ripe green pepper and black pepper in the mouth and a long finish. I’m used to cool-climate Cab Franc here in the East. This one is rich and deep! Try with lamb or grilled portabella mushrooms.