“Take a trip around the world with wines from Lodi,” stated Leslie Sbrocco, well-known television host, author, speaker and consultant. “Lodi is a hip, fun place to make wine!” added Adam Mettler, Director of Wine Operations and Lead Winemaker for Michael David Winery as well as Winemaker at Mettler Family Vineyards. Joined by Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission and Owner/Winemaker of St. Amant Winery, Leslie and Adam led a group of wine writers and media folks on a virtual (and lively) educational and tasting tour. Sponsored and organized by Snooth, six distinct wines from Lodi Wine Country were featured. And as if you can’t already guess, Lodi is an exciting region in California that winelovers can’t stop raving about!
All of the participants agreed with the above remarks from Leslie and Adam as we appreciated the palate profiles and stories behind these fascinating and surprising wines from Lodi, awarded the Wine Region of the Year 2015 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. With each sip, we understood how competent winemakers, many of whom are 4th or 5th generation family members, are stretching more than a few boundaries with innovation as an eye to the future while honoring the past and attending to the present.
Photo Credit: www.lodiwine.com
Grapes have been cultivated in the Lodi wine region of California since the 1850s. Located between San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool nights and breezes from the Sacramento River Delta that offer natural air conditioning during the dry growing season help grapes develop flavor and natural acidity. Soils are diverse. Two rivers, the Mokelumne and Cosumnes, originate in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and carry soils laden with granite-based minerals that are key to producing wines that exude complexity and structure. Since the 1850s, the region’s signature Zinfandel grape was and continues to be cultivated in vineyards of sandy soils.
Photo Credit: www.lodiwine.com
The Lodi wine region produces mostly red varieties covering about two-thirds of its acreage. In fact, about 20% of California’s premium wine production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc originate in Lodi. Currently, there are more than 85 wineries in the region and winemakers are experimenting with the cultivation of classic and no-so-classic wine grapes; there are over 100 varieties in production at this time. Being different is part of Lodi’s spirit…
Our first pour was Acquiesce 2018 Ingenue ($32) to be released July 12, 2019. Typically a Rhone blend, this delicate and crisp wine is of Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Picpoul Blanc from the Lodi Mokelumne River AVA. The grape clones are Tablas Creek cuttings from the famous Château de Beaucastel winery in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of France. Acquiesce, a verb meaning “to surrender” or “to become quiet”, indicates a return to nature with its notes of white flowers, peaches, lime, lemon zest, brilliant minerality and citrus on the nose and palate. Flavorful and fresh, this wine is yet another example of creativity and experimentation.
Ahhh, Vermentino! Known by that name in Sardinia (and Rolle in France), winemaker Layne Montgomery has brought the Mediterranean vibe to us with m2 Wines 2018 Vermentino ($20) from the Lodi Mokelumne River AVA. Juicy and refreshing, this balanced wine had plenty of body and weight. Notes of lime, green apple, orange peel and white florals were vibrant on the nose and palate, as was the snappy acidity present during each sip.
Our last wine was Michael David Winery Ink Blot 2016 Cabernet Franc ($35), produced from a wine grape that is enjoying a renaissance. Originally from Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, the variety is not in widespread production in Lodi. In fact, this specific wine is the first Lodi Cabernet Franc from Michael David and one of the few in the region. Full bodied and luxurious, rich dark fruit, boysenberries, blueberry pie, cinnamon stick, violets, mocha, cigar box, green tea and mint are just a few descriptors of what I discovered on the nose and palate. The finish was smooth as silk, lingering and expressive. The Ink Blot series is one that denotes rich and bold wines; the 2016 Cabernet Franc is that and more.
If you’ve never tasted a wine of Pinotage, you must! The variety is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault and originated in 1925 in South Africa where most of it is grown. Now we can discover it in Lodi! The Mettler Family Vineyards 2016 Lodi Estate Grown Pinotage ($25) was a succulent, rich treat to the nose and palate. Smooth and supple, notes of cherries, raspberries, plums, licorice, mocha, toast, vanilla, smoke and spice were provided a firm foundation by lean acidity and well-integrated tannic structure. Of the 52 acres of Pinotage planted in California, Lodi cultivates 35 acres and Mettler Family Vineyards, a family owned vineyard for more than 100 years, is responsible for much of that production.
You’re looking for a wine that’s different, that has a story and is from a region that continues to entice? Find these wines from Lodi Wine Country and taste the difference.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Steven
Lori
Amy Bizzarri
Cindy Rynning